KFC sparks debate after going cashless

Many people have grown to love KFC and its wide array of finger lickin' good options that won't hurt your wallet too much at all.

From their cheap as chips, quite literally, boneless variety deals to their signature budget-friendly mini fillet - the beloved fast-food chain has long-since been a go-to spot for anyone trying to get some quick grub using up the shrapnel in their pockets.

However, KFC has since sparked a heated debate after announcing certain branch locations will be going totally

cashless.

Facebook/Evan Burrell

One particular branch based in Morisset, Australia, has come under fire after a sign outside the eatery announced: "This restaurant is cashless. We accept card only. Thank you."

And the Morisset location is not alone in the move as at least two other restaurants in Lakehaven and North Wyong have been confirmed as now only accepting card payments.

The business move has clearly left many bargain bucket lovers worried over an impending world without cash.

Posting in the public Facebook group 'Memory Lane - Growing up in Australia', one local shared the news and has since triggered a heated discussion on the matter.

Aussie, Evan Burrell, snapped a picture of the Morisset branch's sign and captioned the post: "This was interesting to see.

"I thought this wouldn't be allowed and cash would be accepted everywhere.

"How long do you think it will be before all shops and everything in-between stop cash transactions?"

It caused a storm online with many rushing in to share their strong opinions on the change.

Facebook

One Facebook user penned: "They wouldn’t be getting my business. Cash is legal tender, if they don’t want it I’ll shop elsewhere."

A second hit out: "I don’t do cashless and will enjoy seeing them when payments are down and cash is the only method to pay. "It only takes a major incident or power outage to show cash is still very valuable."

"Boycott the cashless stores, simple," echoed a third.

Others, however, were more understanding of the move to a cashless system.

"Provided there is a sign that clearly states cash is not accepted, and it is visible before entry into the store then it is legal," one Facebook user explained. "It is also about minimising the risk to staff through avoiding armed robbery."

A second chimed in: "I have my doubts about the benefits of going completely cashless - there are people it leaves behind.

"But I also know a bit of history, and I know that armed robberies used to be commonplace and they ought to be discouraged."

"No issue with this tbh," quipped a third.

Facebook

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has explained that, much to some people's beliefs, businesses are in fact allowed to not accept cash.

"Businesses can choose which payment types they accept. It is legal for a business not to accept cash," the ACCC states.

"However, businesses should be clear and upfront about the types of payments they accept, and the total minimum price payable for their goods and services."

A KFC spokesperson has since issued a statement on the matter.

The spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au: "A small number of KFC restaurants accept card or digital payments only.

"This is at the discretion of our franchise partners and is in line with legal requirements.

"All cashless KFC restaurants display signage explaining what payment methods are accepted."

Where do you stand on the debate?

Tyla has reached out to KFC for further comment.