A KFC customer has let rip after witnessing an elderly diner’s frustrating attempt to pay for his food.
In recent years, a number of KFC restaurants have gone cashless — accepting card payments only.
The move has prompted criticism from many cash activists who have branded the policy as “outrageous”.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
“Ever since the pandemic, many KFCs that went card-only have stayed that way,” the customer said on the Cash Is King Australia Facebook page
“So I stopped giving them my business. Yesterday evening I was parked near a KFC in Morisset, NSW.
“I went to get something to eat only because I hadn’t defrosted anything to cool.
“An old bloke in front of me only brought cash, so he was being refused service.
“He was stressed because he drove in the rain to get dinner for his family.
“I offered to put it on my card and he gave me the cash.
“Another bloke behind me voiced his opinion against their policy, and we all had a civil discussion about the situation.
“I stopped going to KFC over a year ago and regret going yesterday but I was hungry.”
The story prompted a huge reaction, with many angry over the card-only policy – which is currently active in selected KFC restaurants through NSW.
7NEWS.com.au understands that a very small number of KFC restaurants accept card or digital payments only and these chosen payment options are at the discretion of those franchise partners
Aside from these select few restaurants, all other current and new KFC locations accept cash. Any restaurant that offers card or digital payments only has clear signage explaining what payment methods are accepted, which is in line with legal requirements.
In recent months, NSW customers have voiced their disapproval over the move to cashless payments at some KFCs.
“KFC Raymond Terrace. Ordered at counter. Wallet out went to pay. Don’t accept cash. Card only. Why is that, this is legal tender? Those are our rules here. Just walked out,” said one.
Another wrote: “KFC Mudgee NSW. Refuses to take cash. I hope people will boycott them. The owner/manager said that it was a directive from head office. It was pointless discussing with him.
A third said: “My daughter wanted KFC for Friday night but when I went into KFC Palais Newcastle store (because the Drive Thru was crowded) — it was cashless.
“I couldn’t believe it. It will be the last time I go into this branch because I usually go through the Drive- Thru and pay cash and it’s never an issue.”
Others called on KFC to change the policy.
One wrote: “They cannot refuse, cash is legal tender, it says so on the notes! Otherwise, don’t use them any more, if enough people do it, they will run out of business!”
Another added: “It’s pretty simple really, if they don’t accept cash walk out, for any business to keep losing sales this way is pretty dumb by any standards.”
Sign up to the 7NEWS app here – the news you want, when you need it. Download now, for free.