Author: Ryan Brandt — July, 2025
Is It Time to Go Cashless?
Across the country, operators are rethinking the role of cash. From zoos and aquariums to quick-service restaurants and campgrounds, more cashless operations are gaining traction.
The question isn’t just “Can we go cashless?” It’s “Should we?”
The answer to those questions depends on the experience you want to deliver, the pain points you want to solve, and how ready your audience or customers are to adopt something new. As this trend is gaining more and more transaction, what’s causing the shift? What are the benefits? The drawbacks? Let’s break it down.
The Cashless Shift Is Already Underway
In recent months, the San Antonio Zoo transitioned to a completely cashless model. Visitors can now only pay using credit, debit, or mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. For those who still bring cash, the zoo installed reverse ATMs that load physical money onto prepaid debit cards. The move was designed to speed up transactions, reduce operational burdens, and meet the expectations of a more digitally fluent audience.
While the San Antonio Zoo is helping to lead the way for cultural attractions, the number show this trend is not new. A 2023 Deloitte study found that 53% of consumers prefer paying with cards or mobile wallets even for purchases under $10. Mastercard reported a 150% jump in contactless payments between 2019 and 2022.
No cash on site means fewer opportunities for theft, loss, or skimming. It also reduces insurance risk and minimizes the need for armored pickups or back-office safes.
Digital Natives, Real Expectation
Today’s guests are trending towards mobile-first, tap-to-pay natives. They expect speed and ease at every turn. Cash slows things down. Guests fishing through wallets, waiting for change, awkward cash handoffs. Digital payments eliminate friction and keep lines moving.
Digital payments also help with hygiene across your site. Many guests still see cash as dirty, and contactless as cleaner. It’s a small thing that leaves a lasting impression.
Eliminate Cash, Reduce Operational Friction
Counting cash, dealing with change, managing safe drops; it all eats into your team’s time. A cashless system means less time reconciling drawers and more time focused on what matters: guests. Eliminating cash also cuts down on human error. No more miscounted change, drawer discrepancies, or end-of-day surprises. If you’re managing multiple locations, digital payments give you consistency across every site.
Let’s not ignore security. No cash on site means fewer opportunities for theft, loss, or skimming. It also reduces insurance risk and minimizes the need for armored pickups or back-office safes. And when things get busy, like during peak lunch rush or intermission at a zoo show, cashless means your staff can move faster and serve more guests, with fewer interruptions.
Are There Drawbacks?
Of Course. Some guests still prefer cash, and a fully cashless model might not work for every location or site. Public institutions or municipalities may have legal requirements around cash acceptance.
In those cases, hybrid models can help bridge the gap. The key is transparency: post signage, train staff, and make the experience smooth.
You also don’t have to flip the switch overnight. Using centralized data platforms that show you your payment mix (credit card, tap to pay, cash, etc.) across all channels is a great way to set benchmarks for when you might want to fully transition. Maybe once 80% of your transactions are digital it makes sense to shift for your operations?
So, Should You Go Cashless?
That depends on your guests, your team, and your goals. But for many operators, the move to digital unlocks speed, safety, and smarter operations.
Plus, the move to cashless doesn’t need to mean limited. At Cinchio we often help create hybrid ecosystems with multiple payment types. With the right tech setup, you can support credit, debit, mobile wallets, QR codes, and even things like RFID wristbands. A smart payment system should fit into your ecosystem—not force you to work around it.
Ready to simplify your operations and meet guests where they are? Let’s talk about how Cinchio can help you go cashless without the chaos.
