In my cash-only experiment, it has been interesting to experience the pathetic responses where the merchant/creditor/gov is unlawfully cashless. They always say things like “don’t you have a friend who can pay for you?” Funnily enough, this is what you’ll hear from utility companies and gov offices. I’m like: seriously? Is that your official policy – to ask debtors to ask their friends to proxy payments? Last time I checked the law did not require me to have a friend.

I generally respond to that with: “will you be my friend?” Utility companies and gov offices always refuse, but staff at cashless restaurants will often pay your tab from their personal card. It’s important to carry exact change in this case.

This could serve as a practical hack if you cannot pay a bill for any reason, like being poor. Instead of disclosing financial problems, offer cash as a bluff. If they do not accept cash, well that’s their fault and their problem. It can be a great delay tactic. But of course you should be able to pony up the cash if they call your bluff, so it’s a good idea to scope it out a bit first.