Bit by bit, cash is disappearing, so what does that mean for Newcastle? From parking meters to café counters and even gaming venues, the way we pay is changing. It’s easy to miss until your pound coins start collecting dust in your wallet.
Cards Only In Stadiums to Cafés
If you’ve been to St. James’ Park lately, you’ll know it’s card only. Matchday food and drinks now require a tap or swipe. The Boiler Shop is the same story. Some venues still allow limited cash use for tickets, but the trend is moving firmly toward digital. Even Metro ticket machines at Central Station removed cash options a few years ago, nudging people toward contactless travel.
What About Gaming?
Even gaming is seeing changes. Online casinos are designed for fast, secure transactions, so it’s no wonder this field is leading the trend. Players are already used to paying digitally. For those curious about how it works, the esports-news.co.uk guide to online casinos UK covers the basics, from quick deposits to tips on how to play. Still, there’s a balance to strike. Not everyone in the gaming community is fully digital. Some still buy prepaid cards or top up accounts in cash when possible.
It All Started With Cashless Parking
Back in October 2023, Newcastle City Council started removing cash payment options in council-run car parks. The process began with Eldon Square and Eldon Garden. Soon after, they stopped taking coins altogether. To help people adjust, the council offered support like one-to-one help at the car parks, drop-in sessions, and even short videos for those new to card or app payments.
People Still Use Cash
Surprisingly, cash hasn’t vanished. In 2024, cash withdrawals actually went up by about 10%. Lots of people still prefer it for budgeting, privacy, or just because it works every time. Unlike digital payments, cash doesn’t need Wi-Fi or a phone signal and can’t crash during a tech glitch. Some feel safer knowing that, especially in busy places or during events.
Cash also offers privacy. Every tap of a card or phone leaves a digital trace, but with coins and notes, what you spend is your business.
Will Newcastle Go Fully Cash-Free?
The answer seems to be “not yet”, but the steps are adding up. Parking, public transport, and sports venues are all encouraging people to go digital. Many places now simply prefer card payments. The council and other local services have tried to keep it fair by offering help for anyone who needs it.
There’s still no official plan to make the whole city cash-free. That said, businesses are increasingly choosing not to handle coins and notes, and that could eventually lead to there.
Across the UK, What’s Happening?
While Newcastle is heading this way, other parts of the UK are already there. Many restaurants, shops, and bakeries no longer accept coins or notes. Zizzi, Itsu, and some high street cafés are now card-only. Starting January 2025, UK businesses have been allowed to choose not to accept cash at all. Some have raised concerns that this could make life harder for older adults or people who use cash to manage their spending.
Campaigns are pushing back. A 2025 poll found that 71% of UK adults want a legal right to pay with cash. For now, no law guarantees this.
How Can We Keep It Fair for Everyone?
As Newcastle gradually moves toward digital payments, no one must be left behind. While many people find tapping a card quicker and easier, others may struggle with the technology or simply prefer the familiarity of cash. So, how can we make sure the city’s move to digital payments remains fair for all?
One simple step is offering more in-person support. Libraries and community centres could host regular drop-in sessions to help people learn how to use card machines, mobile payment apps, or digital wallets. A bit of guidance can go a long way in helping people feel more confident and in control.
Next, keeping some services and machines cash-friendly in key areas would make a difference. Places like Grainger Market or Eldon Square, which see high footfall from a wide range of age groups, are ideal locations to maintain cash options.
Final Thought
The way we pay in Newcastle is definitely changing, and for many, using a card or phone is faster and more convenient. Not everyone is ready or willing to leave cash behind.
As we move forward, it’s worth remembering that convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of inclusion. Whether you’re buying a coffee, a bus ticket, or a pint at the match, everyone should have a way to pay that works for them.