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Comment by Xplune13 | Hacker News Reader

That's a new one. Genuine question, why do you prefer using cash instead of using a phone or card?

Transactions through credit cards and similar are not anonymous. Having third parties track your daily activities is beyond dystopian.

Sometimes I don’t want to walk around with my valuables on me, I just bring a small sum enough to satisfy my groceries.

I do this especially when it’s dark outside and I have to go out to shop, this way, I don’t lose anything significant if I get robbed.

Another good reason is that some shops have to pay a fee for being able to accept digital transactions, for some shops, the fee is quite a lot. So paying with cash is preferred and helps them a bit.

Lastly, while it sounds shady, being able to pay in cash keeps me from being traced by the government. I don’t really have anything to hide but having the option to be anonymous If I want feels good.

You don't like to bring your valuables with you, so you bring cash instead of a PIN-protected debit card?

I'd rather loose 10 bucks than letting them take my debit card. PIN is not required until a certain amount.

You buy $10 of groceries at a time?

It’s not exactly 10$ every time, it varies. But it’s a small amount.

If I have to buy larger amount of groceries, then I wait until daylight. No way I’m carrying more money when it’s dark outside.

Cash is useful in cases where your phone/card isn't working. E.g. if your phone has run out of battery, you are in a location that has a poor signal, your account has been locked due to a suspicious/unusual transaction (even if legitimate), etc.

You don't need it all the time, just for emergencies.

Systems you want to use in an emergency have a tendency to start failing when you don't exercise them regularly. That's my primary reason for using cash. Privacy is the second. The tactile sense for how much money I spend is the third.

Cash is free and easy. Electronic payments add cost and complexity that sometimes results in failure.

Not new at all. Many people feel that way. Lots of good arguments too.

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