More and more, businesses with cash-only policies seem to be a thing of the past. In today’s world of credit cards, mobile wallets and payment apps like Venmo and PayPal, paying with cash feels almost antiquated. Yet, even in 2026, some businesses still stick to cash-only policies, and if you’re not prepared, you could find yourself scrambling for an ATM.
While digital payments dominate most industries, a handful of businesses continue to rely on cash for simplicity, tradition or cost savings. Here are six types of businesses that still often operate on a cash-only basis and why it matters for your next purchase.
1. Smaller Restaurants
You’d be hard-pressed to find a franchise restaurant that’s cash-only. However, it’s not uncommon for smaller restaurants to have cash-only policies, especially mom-and-pop restaurants, small exotic eateries and long-standing establishments.
Cash-only restaurants have it tough, though, as most people want to pay with their cards despite the establishment having to pay high credit card fees, which eat into their overhead. However, without making it easy for people to pay for their product, cash-only restaurants risk losing customers and profits if they don’t start adapting.
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2. Food Trucks
The demand for food truck fare has grown rapidly over the last several years, thanks to the low overhead and mobility for the budding restaurateurs. However, a large percentage of owners still don’t accept credit cards, forcing them to turn away customers who only have plastic in their pockets.
Thanks to the growing number of mobile payment systems making it easy to accept credit cards from anywhere, it’s likely that cash-only food trucks will suffer if they don’t expand payment options.
3. Laundromats
The customer base for coin laundromats has increased over the years, and no large chains are dominating the market. Of course, today you can find a bit of modernity as many newer laundromats come equipped to take cards, but many local laundry facilities still operate only on money that jingles or folds. Since people will continue to need clean clothes, this industry (most likely) won’t slow down anytime soon.
Because customers tend to choose a laundromat based on convenience and proximity, “cash-only” laundromats will likely have no trouble surviving at least for now. However, if a newer one down the block offers more of a variety of digital payment options, your local mom-and-pop may be taken to the cleaners.
4. Arts and Crafts Show Vendors
Thousands of arts and craft shows are held throughout the country each year. In the past, patrons knew they wouldn’t be able to purchase unless they came with cash, but the onset of mobile payments could change that. Vendors selling higher-priced items at large craft shows might need to start accepting credit cards, get Square or risk losing sales.
On the other hand, crafters with lower-priced items sold at smaller events will probably be OK continuing to operate on a cash-only basis. Plus, it keeps artists from having to deal with sticky tax situations.
5. Babysitters
In the past, it was unheard of for parents to pay their children’s babysitter with a credit card. But thanks to sites like Sittercity, Nanny Lane and Care.com, this is now very possible. Or, don’t forget, the ever-convenient Venmo.
The ability to pay a babysitter with a credit card might be more convenient for many parents, but it’s unlikely this will be the deciding factor when choosing someone to watch their children. If they already know and trust a traditional babysitter, parents will likely be more than happy to pay with cash, especially considering that younger teenagers don’t necessarily have their own bank account or payment platform access.
6. Christmas Tree Lots
A large portion of Christmas tree customers purchased theirs from non-traditional or temporary businesses. Some of these businesses accept credit cards, but many do not. Because this is a once-a-year purchase, cash-only retailers will likely not have much of a problem, especially as many families enjoy the tradition of going to the same place each year. Just something to keep in mind for the next holiday season.
Jennifer Taylor contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Businesses That May Still Be Cash-Only
