Are cash payments smooth in supermarkets, wet markets and other places? Journalist’s on-the-spot experience

　　With the popularity of mobile payment, more and more consumers are accustomed to scanning QR codes to complete transactions. This convenient form of payment brings a convenient experience to both merchants and consumers. However, a few merchants may refuse to accept cash for the sake of convenience. Recently, reporters went to supermarkets, wet markets and other places to see whether consumers were using cash to pay smoothly, and to read their reports.

Is cash payment smooth? Reporter's on-the-spot experience

　　In Hangzhou, electronic payment has become very popular. How is the cash used? As a consumer, the reporter shopped at different types of merchants such as Hangzhou community supermarkets and farmers’ market vegetable stalls, and used larger denominations of 100 yuan and 50 yuan in cash to purchase small items of less than 5 yuan in multiple places.

　　Reporter: Can I use cash?

　　Supermarket salesperson: Yes, cash is fine.

　　The reporter tried it at many merchants and there was no case of merchants refusing to accept it. However, some merchants did say that cash is used less now, and they often encounter situations where they cannot get change for large denominations of cash.

　　In response to these problems, the People's Bank of China has recently instructed commercial banks to comprehensively carry out cash circulation monitoring and regular "coin purse" door-to-door exchange services to provide convenience for merchants.

　　Li Juan, Chief of the Currency Management Section of the Currency and Gold and Silver Department of the Zhejiang Branch of the People's Bank of China: Based on the needs of merchants, we provide "coin purses" ranging from 300 yuan to 500 yuan to merchants through door-to-door exchange, reducing merchants' trips to the bank. The trouble of changing change. Promote the opening of green channels for small-denomination cash exchange at more than 10,000 bank outlets, so that people can redeem cash immediately without queuing at bank outlets.

Over 70% of the elderly rely on cash for payment

　　Merchants refusing to accept cash can be a big trouble for some elderly people who do not know how to use electronic payments. According to a sample survey, more than 75% of the elderly use cash frequently. So, how to make it more convenient for groups such as the elderly to use cash?

　　In a large supermarket in Chenghua District, Chengdu, most of the customers who come to shop are elderly customers. Most of the elderly people bring their own change when they check out.

　　Wu Nannan, a cashier at Jiandui Tianheng Supermarket in Chenghua District, Chengdu: The cash transactions here are aimed at the owner group, mostly elderly people. The cash received is almost the same as online payment, that is, half and half.

　　In interviews in many places, reporters found that elderly people are accustomed to paying with cash. In addition to not having smartphones or not being able to use smartphones, they also have other worries.

　　Consumer Pan Meizhen: I can’t see clearly, so I must wear glasses. Sometimes I don't wear glasses and use my mobile phone to give money. Once I give money, sometimes I make a mistake.

　　In order to improve the convenience of cash deposits and withdrawals for the elderly and other groups, the People's Bank of China has organized commercial banks to provide priority windows and green channels for cash business for the elderly, and to provide special cash services for the elderly with mobility difficulties.

　　During the interview, the reporter also saw that many commercial banks are equipped with aging-friendly facilities and services. Reading glasses, magnifying glasses, crutch storage and other convenience facilities for the elderly are all available.

　　Wang Tao, deputy director of the Currency and Gold and Silver Department of the Sichuan Branch of the People's Bank of China: A total of 27,599 cash service grid areas have been built in the province, achieving a coverage rate of more than 98% in communities and village committees.

You can file a complaint if you refuse to accept cash.

　　Starting from October 2023, the People's Bank of China has launched a six-month special rectification work, mainly focusing on people's livelihood scenarios such as basic public services, administrative fees, transportation, large and medium-sized commerce, parks and scenic spots, and the small and micro economy. Commercial banks and Business entities signed 1.468 million "Commitment Letters Not to Reject Cash" and issued 388,000 "coin purses" to business entities.

　　The People's Bank of China stated that if a consumer encounters an act of refusing to accept cash, they can clearly inform the other party that the act of refusing to accept cash is illegal, and they can retain relevant video and audio evidence and complain to the local branch of the People's Bank of China.