Various retailers are limiting forms of payment, aligning with consumer trends toward either electronic forms of payment on the one hand (such as Cash App, PayPal, and Google Pay) or cash-only payments on the other (such as using cash and bank-to-bank transfers like Zelle). Many stores and restaurants contend that cashless makes transactions faster, reduces their risk of theft, and cuts costs associated with money management. Others argue that using cash-only and bank-to-bank payments increases retailer margins by reducing transaction fees charged to the retailer by each intermediary, including Visa and Cash App, in the payment process. Critics of cashless retailers claim that they discriminate against consumers who avoid bank accounts and credit cards. This group often includes consumers with poor credit or undocumented immigrants. Critics of cash- and bank-to-bank-only retailers claim that they prevent consumers from using credit card fraud and theft protections and make consumers feel exposed because cash can be lost or stolen.

Discuss the ethical challenges surrounding decisions to limit or restrict payment methods.