I work for a major retailer. Usually, the people who pay with cash are old people and tradie types
. I foresee a time in the not too distant future when cash will no longer exist - I look forward to it, actually. Gets rid of a lot of problems.
Paywave makes paying smaller amounts with a card almost instant - the disgruntled moans and sighs from people waiting in line behind those paying with a card are no longer justified (customers who take forever to scratch around for $48.85 in gold and silver coins are far more common and waste the time of others waiting
). Those who are amazed by people paying for their $2.50 soft drink or their $2 newspaper with a card are living in the past.
I never have cash on me, ever. All our income gets deposited directly into our bank accounts so we never actually 'touch' it - and we don't line up at the post office or local council chambers, etc with the pensioners to pay our bills as we use internet banking so we very rarely need cash on us.
I don't shop at places where there is a minimum purchase price (I leave the items and walk out, just like Geoff's daughter) or who don't provide eftpos facilities - these businesses have their heads in the sand and need to accept the times.
Paying rent with a credit card is a great idea - excellent for accumulating points. Just have to follow the usual old rules with a credit card and be disciplined enough to pay it off in full at the end of the interest-free period.