McDonald’s fires up customers with cashless move

McDonald’s has become the latest business to shun cash at certain outlets, with angry customers calling on others to “boycott” the chain.

McDonald’s has become the latest business to shun cash as customers hit out against the cashless move.

The furore began after a disgruntled customer shared a photo of a sign posted at the drive-through of the McDonald’s outlet in Melbourne’s Clayton South, which advised customers that cash wouldn’t be accepted at certain times of the day.

“For the ongoing safety of our staff and customers, we will no longer accept cash payments between midnight and 6am.”

“Thank you for your continued co-operation and understanding,” the sign read.

The disgruntled customer posted the notice seen at McDonald's Clayton South to Facebook. Picture: Facebook.

The customer, who posted the photo to the Cash is King Facebook group, called on others to boycott the outlet.

“Boycott this Maccas,” they wrote. “I don’t come here that regularly, but I have been for years and (have) only seen this today.”

“I instantly questioned them why? They say because they were robbed. Either way, I don’t care, I’m paying cash regardless.”

In a response to 7NEWS.com.au, a McDonald’s spokesperson revealed the cashless move had been adopted at more than one of its outlets across Melbourne’s eastern and southern suburbs.

The spokesperson said that security concerns were behind the move.

“In response to recent incidents, McDonald’s restaurants in Melbourne’s east and south have implemented a number of proactive safety measures to ensure the ongoing protection of our people and customers.”

“The safety and wellbeing of our people and customers is our top priority,” the spokesperson added. “This includes asking customers to use cashless payment methods where possible.”

The spokesperson said that its restaurants would still accept cash if that was the only payment method available.

The McDonald's restaurant where the sign was seen. Picture: Google Maps.

Other customers supported the move.

“Fair enough. They are just protecting their young workers,” one wrote.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) businesses don’t have to accept cash, however they must be clear about the types of payments they do accept.

The news follows expert predictions that Australia will become a cashless society by 2026 and revelations that ANZ bank is no longer accepting the deposit or withdrawal of smaller denominations of cash in some of its branches.