Why Accepting Cash is Good for Business
BFC Enterprises • July 23, 2021

With the onset of the pandemic and the coin shortage in 2020, some businesses decided to stop accepting cash and coins. While the misinformation that was put out by World Health Organization that humans could catch COVID-19 by touching cash and coins was eventually corrected, this caused an unnecessary burden on 24.7% of Americans who rely on cash as their primary method of payment.

These estimated 63 million Americans, who are unbanked or underbanked, were left with no choice but to turn to alternative payment methods – many of them predatory in nature – or switch to another store that may not have been as convenient.

While there is no Federal law that makes it illegal for businesses to not accept cash, that may be about to change. The U.S. House of Representatives introduced the bi-partisan Payment Choice Act of 2021 (HR 4395) in July. Co-sponsored by a large, diverse and bipartisan cross-section of Congress, the legislation would make it unlawful for business to not accept cash for in-person transactions. The Federal legislation mirrors laws that have already been introduced or passed by various states seeking to end cash discrimination.

But why is not accepting cash bad for business? And how can you make sure you are doing what is best for your customers and your business?

Are Cashless Businesses Promoting Discrimination?

There is no way around the fact that “No Cash” actions put unnecessary pressure on marginalized communities. According to a Time Magazine’s Next Advisor report, 19% of American households making less than $30,000 a year are underbanked or unbanked, with African-American (16.9%) and Hispanic (14%) families taking on most of that burden. These numbers mirror St. Louis data , where minorities are three times more likely than whites to live in poverty.

As a result, a cashless society will potentially push these demographics to seek alternative payment methods, such as payday lending or paycards. These alternatives tend to be predatory, and according to a , U.S. Postal Service report , underserved households spend an average of 9.5% of their income on interest fees, with some rates as high as 500%.

While it may be easier for businesses to only accept card-based payments, a vast majority of Americans (82%) want businesses to accept cash, according to the Federal Reserve Bank 2020 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice. In addition, most Americans use ATMs to withdraw cash and studies show that as much as 50% of the money withdrawn is spent in the store where the ATM is located.

With all this in mind, why would any business want to divest in almost 20% of the population by not taking cash?

Cities, States are Stepping Up to Protect Cash Users

Right now, St. Louis leaves it up to the business owner to decide which types of payments they accept. However, more and more cities and states are jumping on board to help those that a “cashless society” would hurt most by banning retailers from not accepting cash for the in-person purchase of goods and services – putting the decision in the consumer’s hands.

, Colorado and , Connecticut both made it illegal for business owners to not accept cash in 2021. Currently state laws in , Massachusetts , , New Jersey and , Rhode Island prohibit retailers from not accepting cash. It is also unlawful for retailers to not accept cash in , New York City , , Berkley , , Chicago , , Philadelphia , , Washington D.C. , and , San Francisco . According to the , ATM Industry Association Stateside Monitoring Service , an additional 14 states also introduced bills during the 2020 / 2021 legislative session that would ban cashless stores.

An On-Site ATM Gives Consumers Convenient Access to the Cash they Need

Making sure consumers have convenient access to cash is essential and an ATM is the most popular way consumers access their accounts. In addition, many underbanked shoppers have access to prepaid cards and government-issued cards and need local access to withdraw the cash. Installing an ATM in your business not only gives them easy access, but it also means they will come to you more often and are more likely to spend some of that money in your business.

Installing an ATM doesn’t have to be expensive or a hassle. With our ATM placement program, merchants simply provide 2 square feet of space and a regular 110 electrical outlet. , BFC Enterprises handles everything from purchase of the hardware, installation, maintenance and cash management.

, Contact us today to find out if you qualify for a free ATM.

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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.