Pros and Cons of Running a Cash-Only Business
BFC Enterprises • March 7, 2023

It may be a growing trend for businesses to operate their financial matters digitally, but running a cash-only business can be done quite lucratively.  

Can you imagine only taking cash? In fact, the cannabis industry has to almost exclusively do exactly that as Visa and MasterCard rules do not allow them to take card payments. But what does running a cash-only business really look like and how much of a headache would it really be to ditch the card networks in favor of real currency?

 

Why Would Anyone Go Cash Only?

There are a wide range of potential benefits from ditching non-cash payments in favor of physical currency, including:

 

  • Protection from chargebacks
  • No waiting for payments to clear the bank
  • No paying for point-of-sale credit and debit card systems
  • No worries about PCI compliance or cardholder protection at the point of sale

 

It should probably be mentioned that accepting ONLY cash is perfectly legal. There are no federal laws that say a retailer has to participate in card networks to accept non-cash payments. It would be a serious problem if there was, considering the amount of money the networks charge in fees to participate on their digital rails.

 

That brings us to the primary reason most businesses choose to go cash-only – fees. Credit and debit card companies charge a percentage for every single transaction. Unfortunately, that percentage can chew heavily into the bottom line.

 

Stores that sell small dollar items can be the hardest hit as their profit margins are so small. A $1 purchase minus a 4% fee is only $0.60, quickly removing what little revenue would have been made on the sale.

 

Ultimately, going cash only means the store receives its profits faster, retains more profit and protects customers’ digital accounts. But clearly cash-only can’t be all sunshine and rainbows or more businesses would avoid non-cash payments.

 

Why Bother with Non-Cash?

Cash is the most popular form of payment for purchases under $25. Anything above that amount and most customers will want to pay with debit, credit or prepaid. So, going cash-only could risk alienating or upsetting consumers. In some cases, it might even cost you some sales.

 

But there are other risks when it comes to cash-only business, including the time it takes to count, audit and deliver cash and coin to the bank. Then there is the potential security risk due to employee theft, counterfeit bills and robbery. Finally, any cash-only business has an increased risk of audit as there is less of a paper trail to verify all profits are fully accounted for.

 

Whether You Choose Cash-Only or Not, An On-Site ATM Can Help

To go cash-only or diversify payments is an in-depth decision that must consider the business’s ticket size, customers and non-cash fee losses. But whether the business accepts cards or not, there are simple ways to encourage cash payments whenever possible – like placing minimum purchase requirements for cards and having a highly visible on-site ATM.


Prominent store-based ATMs can give customers basic financial services such as account balance inquiries, balance transfers, and fast and easy access to cash. On-site machines also open up new opportunities for retailers struggling with the cash-only versus card dilemma – by providing an easy way for customers to grab cash for their purchases.

 

So, whether your business goes cash only, implements minimum purchases or decides to accept multiple forms of payment, an ATM makes sure customers have an easy way to meet their needs and pay for their goods.


Find out if your business qualifies for a free, turn-key ATM.

Contact BFC Enterprises today!

How BFC Enterprises Helps You Choose Games That Keep Customers Playing

By BFC Enterprises • October 27, 2025
That's exactly why partnering with BFC Enterprises to select and manage your amusement games is a smart move. You get expertly matched equipment that maximizes fun, keeps customers engaged, and hits your revenue goals, without any of the guesswork or hassle. Game Selection Backed by Real Experience BFC Enterprises has spent decades placing games in all kinds of business environments. We've seen what works in shopping centers versus family restaurants. We know which games draw teenagers at youth sports facilities and which ones keep adults entertained at bars while they wait for their food. When we evaluate your location, we're looking at your customer base, your foot traffic patterns, and your available space. We're thinking about who's walking through your doors, how long they typically stay, and what kind of entertainment matches their vibe. Then we match game styles to those factors for optimal performance. You shouldn't have to figure this out through expensive trial and error. We already know what works. Maximize Play and Profit Here's a truth every business owner should know: not all amusement games perform equally in every location. Some games get tons of attention and consistent play. Others just take up space. We use data and hands-on experience to choose games that will actually get played. We place the ones that grab attention, generate consistent activity, and deliver the highest revenue return. This means more passive income for you without spending months testing different machines to see what sticks. Think of it this way: we're not just dropping random equipment in your location and hoping for the best. We're strategically placing proven performers that match your specific environment. That's the difference between a few extra bucks a month and a meaningful revenue stream. Regular Rotation Without the Hassle Even the best games can get stale after a while. That's why we don't just set it and forget it. BFC Enterprises actively monitors game performance at your location. When we notice engagement dropping or when there's an opportunity to refresh things, we rotate games to keep your customers interested and having fun. We also select seasonal prizes that keep people playing longer and coming back to see what's new. The best part? You don’t have to track any of this yourself. We handle the strategy, the swaps, and the prize selection. Your customers stay entertained, and you keep earning, all without lifting a finger. Full-Service Support You Can Count On When you partner with BFC Enterprises , you're not just getting equipment delivered and left behind. You're getting complete, ongoing support. We handle compatibility issues, maintenance, prize stocking, and repairs. If something breaks, you're not scrambling to fix it or figure out who to call. Our team takes care of everything while you focus on what you do best – serving your customers and running your business. This is truly passive income. No headaches, no technical problems to solve, no wondering if you picked the right equipment. Just steady earnings from games that work. The Bottom Line Adding amusement games to your location is a smart way to increase customer engagement, extend dwell time, and create an additional revenue stream. But only if you choose the right games and manage them properly. When you partner with BFC Enterprises, you get the best-performing, highest-return amusement setup – customized specifically to your business and your customers – without any of the work. We bring the expertise, the equipment, and the ongoing support. You bring the space and the customers. Together, we create more fun, more engagement, and more profit. Ready to get started? Contact BFC Enterprises today and let's build the perfect amusement game setup for your location. 📞 (314) 961-9000 🌐 bfcenterprises.com/contact
Boost staff morale, reduce turnover, and create a new revenue stream with an ATM on-site

How an On-Site ATM Can Help Restaurants Keep Their Best Servers

By BFC Enterprises • October 9, 2025
Inflation and staffing challenges continue to squeeze restaurants and bars. Learn how an on-site ATM can boost staff morale, reduce turnover, and create a new revenue stream — all while helping customers tip in cash.