Why still cash?

[troyedgba22]

New punter and US migrant here, just curious as to why cash is still the standard way to pay for sex here even though it's legal?

Where I'm from, sex work is illegal and so both clients and providers prefer cash as it's untraceable. However, I don't understand why in the UK there also seems to be this preference (if so)? I'm not someone who carries cash and I've found it somewhat annoying having to take a detour to the cash machine on the way to each punt.

I know for the SWs there are obvious tax avoidance reasons, so it makes sense for them to charge in cash. But do the punters also prefer to pay in cash or is it just because they have no choice since that's the only accepted payment method?

I don't mean that the SWs carry card devices and allow punters to insert their card as an alternative payment method. I'm talking about the platforms like AW. Why not have it like Airbnb or Uber in which you pay in advance and the payment only gets released to the provider once the actual service is delivered? Basically is this lack of feature because clients prefer cash or because SWs only accept cash?

Bit of a tech geek too so excuse my curiosity 

[GingerNuts]

Tax evasion.

[mills_and_bhuna]

New punter and US migrant here, just curious as to why cash is still the standard way to pay for sex here even though it's legal?

Where I'm from, sex work is illegal and so both clients and providers prefer cash as it's untraceable. However, I don't understand why in the UK there also seems to be this preference (if so)? I'm not someone who carries cash and I've found it somewhat annoying having to take a detour to the cash machine on the way to each punt.

I know for the SWs there are obvious tax avoidance reasons, so it makes sense for them to charge in cash. But do the punters also prefer to pay in cash or is it just because they have no choice since that's the only accepted payment method?

I don't mean that the SWs carry card devices and allow punters to insert their card as an alternative payment method. I'm talking about the platforms like AW. Why not have it like Airbnb or Uber in which you pay in advance and the payment only gets released to the provider once the actual service is delivered? Basically is this lack of feature because clients prefer cash or because SWs only accept cash?

Bit of a tech geek too so excuse my curiosity 

Just because something is legal doesn't mean it's something that's seen as socially acceptable.
I could have a meeting with an escort and give her twice her price and a bottle of perfume,  a bunch of flowers and chocolates thrown in for good measure.
I could be single but if I was working for a big company they would probably sack me if word got out and their reputation was on the line.
It's hypocrisy 101 but it's the world we live in.
It's more acceptable to wear a uniform, go abroad at taxpayers expense and kill someone in their country than to go on holiday to the country next door at your own expense and pay to fuck someone with their consent.

[Matrix]

Discretion is a thing outside of the U.S! 

[troyedgba22]

Discretion is a thing outside of the U.S! 

I don't see how discretion would be an issue unless your friends/family have access to your bank statements?

[daviemac]

I don't see how discretion would be an issue unless your friends/family have access to your bank statements?

Would you be quite happy for your wife to know you were visiting prostitutes and paying for it out of the joint account.   

[Bopcrown]

Cash is Anonymous. I can spend it on whatever I want without getting a "XXX_escort_ltd" payment appearing on my account
If I was paying by card there's a chance of a less honest SP seeing my full name and guessing who I am, leaving me open to blackmail or kompromat.
If a less honest punter is paying by card then they could try to use a stolen card, or get their bank to issue a chargeback which would be bad for the SP.
For credit checks it's easier to say I took that £150+ down the pub for a weekend of drinking than for a loan provider to see that I've been doing
It's also nice to feel rich(adjacent) for a few minutes.

[Whiteknight]

I don't see how discretion would be an issue unless your friends/family have access to your bank statements?

That's fine if you are not self employed and you are not at all concerned the recipient knows your name and possibly home town.

[puntingking]

Cash is way better for tons of reasons. 

Bank transfers leave wgs open to use your bank details to manipulate you into transferring them more cash due to the threat that they may tell a family member that you see escorts. (Most escorts are respectful of punters and vice verser) but you do get the odd few.
Also discretion. Alot of escorts use a fake name,  you can't use a fake name when transfering money or using a bank card.


Cash is better for punters and for wgs. Both have discretion,  you can't trace cash. Its better for everyone. 

[puntingking]

New punter and US migrant here, just curious as to why cash is still the standard way to pay for sex here even though it's legal?

Where I'm from, sex work is illegal and so both clients and providers prefer cash as it's untraceable. However, I don't understand why in the UK there also seems to be this preference (if so)? I'm not someone who carries cash and I've found it somewhat annoying having to take a detour to the cash machine on the way to each punt.

I know for the SWs there are obvious tax avoidance reasons, so it makes sense for them to charge in cash. But do the punters also prefer to pay in cash or is it just because they have no choice since that's the only accepted payment method?

I don't mean that the SWs carry card devices and allow punters to insert their card as an alternative payment method. I'm talking about the platforms like AW. Why not have it like Airbnb or Uber in which you pay in advance and the payment only gets released to the provider once the actual service is delivered? Basically is this lack of feature because clients prefer cash or because SWs only accept cash?

Bit of a tech geek too so excuse my curiosity 

If aw had a system like where punters paid wgs through their website I would not book through that site.

[willie loman]

the sex industry is slow to change, but ive noticed some sex workers are taking card payment, there is no good reason for a sauna not to accept card payment for an entrance fee, as a general rule the british overestimate the capacity of the inland revenue to hunt down tax evaders, cab drivers now more or less accept card payment, and in a short while i imagine hookers will offer that option.

[daviemac]

the sex industry is slow to change, but ive noticed some sex workers are taking card payment, there is no good reason for a sauna not to accept card payment for an entrance fee, as a general rule the british overestimate the capacity of the inland revenue to hunt down tax evaders, cab drivers now more or less accept card payment, and in a short while i imagine hookers will offer that option.

I'm sure with taxi drivers their earnings for tax purposes can be estimated relevant to mileage covered and fuel claimed for.

[willie loman]

I'm sure with taxi drivers their earnings for tax purposes can be estimated relevant to mileage covered and fuel claimed for.

possibly if the revenue were that interested, the point is the few wgs who register for tax, usually claim to be nannys etc , no reason for them not to take payment from cards, from customers who dont have an issue with it.

[daviemac]

possibly if the revenue were that interested, the point is the few wgs who register for tax, usually claim to be nannys etc , no reason for them not to take payment from cards, from customers who dont have an issue with it.

The bottom line is most punters don't want to pay by card. I know from a taxi driver mate the inland revenue assume you will have made x amount for x miles covered so if they try to take the piss with earning to expenses it's picked up easily. 

[sir wanksalot]

A trip to the cash machine is all part of the wonderful journey of the pre-punt ritual.

Typing in my pin number whilst I'm trying to hide my boner from the general public. Who'd want it any other way?

[willie loman]

The bottom line is most punters don't want to pay by card. I know from a taxi driver mate the inland revenue assume you will have made x amount for x miles covered so if they try to take the piss with earning to expenses it's picked up easily.

the point is, that punters who do, should be able to pay with card, but its not that important, you might be in cabs 40 times a week, so card is useful, but most are punting rarely so cash is fine

[PepeMAGA]

It would be rare occasions where I would be selling to pay in advance. Opens you up to all sorts of ripoffs and scams.
And yeah the anonymous nature of cash is preferable.

[lillythesavage]

The bottom line is most punters don't want to pay by card. I know from a taxi driver mate the inland revenue assume you will have made x amount for x miles covered so if they try to take the piss with earning to expenses it's picked up easily.

Not so easy in London, lots of the meter reading is on time not distance, the diehards put hand written notices in the windows " Cash Only" right up until the rules were changed.

With that , the pandemic, and the nightmare road changes, thousands have turned it in. Lots rent cabs too, so never in the same one for long, lots rented and took cash only for years, worked other jobs on PAYE, the cab was all cash in hand.

Guess it is more difficult now, possibly why so many gave it up.

[Taggart]

Considering card payment systems line Sum Up or iZettle cost £29, surprised more WGs don’t offer it -provided the client can use a discrete card. I’ve one I use at car boot sales.

[maxxblue]

Considering card payment systems line Sum Up or iZettle cost £29, surprised more WGs don’t offer it -provided the client can use a discrete card. I’ve one I use at car boot sales.

But why would they bother when cash works for them? 

[Colston36]

Considering card payment systems line Sum Up or iZettle cost £29, surprised more WGs don’t offer it -provided the client can use a discrete card. I’ve one I use at car boot sales.

Are you saying you're happy to pay an extra £29 to be discreet? I'm too cheap. That's half a short time

[Whiteknight]

Are you saying you're happy to pay an extra £29 to be discreet?

The £29 is for a portable card payment terminal.

I can see it can be convenient for some people at times, especially when you wanted to extend a booking and not having enough cash.

For majority of SP, cash is still a preferred option.  Less audit trail, charges and charge back, and it is discreet.

[puntingking]

For Christ sake, it's not that hard to draw cash out of the cash machine.  I don't seem to be the big deal! 

For people who want to use card, they will soon be complaining when the whole world has gone cashless. 

Cash is way better. Not traceable, family members won't know what you spending your money on, etc.

Just use cash people. It ain't that hard. 

[snaitram99]

possibly if the revenue were that interested, the point is the few wgs who register for tax, usually claim to be nannys etc , no reason for them not to take payment from cards, from customers who dont have an issue with it.

Not sure how many nannies would be getting lots of one off payments of £100 or so from random men. I'd have thought the usual "trade or profession" claimed would be something like massage therapist, or just therapist, care giver, personal adviser or other vague term.

 Maybe one of the totally legit taxpaying SP's that post here could say what they declare themselves to the taxman as. Could say prostitute as it's not illegal but I guess they wouldn't want that on their file.

[smiths]

New punter and US migrant here, just curious as to why cash is still the standard way to pay for sex here even though it's legal?

Where I'm from, sex work is illegal and so both clients and providers prefer cash as it's untraceable. However, I don't understand why in the UK there also seems to be this preference (if so)? I'm not someone who carries cash and I've found it somewhat annoying having to take a detour to the cash machine on the way to each punt.

I know for the SWs there are obvious tax avoidance reasons, so it makes sense for them to charge in cash. But do the punters also prefer to pay in cash or is it just because they have no choice since that's the only accepted payment method?

I don't mean that the SWs carry card devices and allow punters to insert their card as an alternative payment method. I'm talking about the platforms like AW. Why not have it like Airbnb or Uber in which you pay in advance and the payment only gets released to the provider once the actual service is delivered? Basically is this lack of feature because clients prefer cash or because SWs only accept cash?

Bit of a tech geek too so excuse my curiosity 

Simple for me, cash is king for my punting and its untraceable unlike paying by card. Plus the WGs i punt with want cash payment which is fine with me.

[JontyR]

To be honest I think the demand to be able to pay in cash comes from our side as much as the SPs. Cash comes in a handy £20 anonymity voucher format.

And the other thing about electornic transactions, they are there forever. Discretion may not be required now, but may be in the future. Plausible deniability goes out the window when its on more than one bank statement.

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Cash can be a PITA, was running late to see someone the other day and the bloody machine dodnt work and there less of them about round our way!..

[smiths]

To be honest I think the demand to be able to pay in cash comes from our side as much as the SPs. Cash comes in a handy £20 anonymity voucher format.

And the other thing about electornic transactions, they are there forever. Discretion may not be required now, but may be in the future. Plausible deniability goes out the window when its on more than one bank statement.

Paying a WG in cash means the tax man has a more difficult task in assessing what she makes, thats if they even bother checking them out of course.

Good point about discretion, also i think ahead to a time when punting may be illegal for punters to do sadly which could happen. I dont want an official record i have punted in the past, not saying the Police could do me for the past but i dont want it known. Posting on here about punts is enough for me.

[smiths]

Cash can be a PITA, was running late to see someone the other day and the bloody machine dodnt work and there less of them about round our way!..

I always have cash at home so dont rely on last minute to get cash out, and fortunately there are loads of cash machines in my area still. All about being organised ready to punt in my case. Even when my partner lived with me i always had cash at home.

[lillythesavage]

I always have cash at home so dont rely on last minute to get cash out, and fortunately there are loads of cash machines in my area still. All about being organised ready to punt in my case. Even when my partner lived with me i always had cash at home.

Yep, relying on finding a cash point last minute seems odd, plenty around me too, but all of them now have a 250 withdrawal limit.

[petermisc]

With money laundering regulations becoming ever stricter, I can foresee a time when banks start questioning why someone is making significant numbers of cash withdrawals.

One WG I used to know, before she left due to Brexit & COVID, used to pay her landlord in cash.  Then his bank started questioning where the cash was coming from, so she had to start paying by bank transfer.  At which point, her bank started questioning where the extra cash was coming from.

[smiths]

Yep, relying on finding a cash point last minute seems odd, plenty around me too, but all of them now have a 250 withdrawal limit.

Most near me are £500 but even the £250 ones i can do 2 of them to get £500 plus of course if i want 1k i can get £500 just before midnight and another £500 just after.

In my case i pay for my food shopping, petrol and low value items in cash, i do my bit to keep cash going not that that will make any difference. My son on the other hand pays for virtually everything by card.

[GingerNuts]

Yep, relying on finding a cash point last minute seems odd, plenty around me too, but all of them now have a 250 withdrawal limit.

The last time I checked the withdrawal limit was set by your bank, not the machine. I asked my bank and they increase my limit.

[petermisc]

The last time I checked the withdrawal limit was set by your bank, not the machine. I asked my bank and they increase my limit.

My withdrawal limit is £500, but if using other banks' cashpoints I am often limited to £250.

[chrishornx]

The last time I checked the withdrawal limit was set by your bank, not the machine. I asked my bank and they increase my limit.

wrong the limit is dictated by the machine. In dodgy parts of Manchester they offer withdrawals of £10, £20, £40 £50 £100 and £200

in my local town it ranges from £20 to £500

[lillythesavage]

The last time I checked the withdrawal limit was set by your bank, not the machine. I asked my bank and they increase my limit.

Nope, the machines are dictating it, my limits are way more, not tried using them twice yet, just used two cards.

[petermisc]

Most near me are £500 but even the £250 ones i can do 2 of them to get £500 plus of course if i want 1k i can get £500 just before midnight and another £500 just after.

In my case i pay for my food shopping, petrol and low value items in cash, i do my bit to keep cash going not that that will make any difference. My son on the other hand pays for virtually everything by card.

One thing to watch out for if getting cash last-minute is dispensing issues, where for some reason the machine doesn't spit out the cash.  These sometimes still count towards your daily limit, meaning you can't make another withdrawal if you have reached your limit.

My credit card gives me cash-back for food, petrol, etc so I always pay for these by card.

[lillythesavage]

My withdrawal limit is £500, but if using other banks' cashpoints I am often limited to £250.

Post office one went down to 250 recently, Tesco has been for a while, so have filling stations.

Have you tried using it twice?  Not tried it yet as can get 500 on two cards.

[Whiteknight]

The last time I checked the withdrawal limit was set by your bank, not the machine. I asked my bank and they increase my limit.

ATM outside the bank, £500 is not a problem.

ATM at petrol station or Newsagent is limited to £250.  You can withdraw in multiple £250 upto your daily limit.

[smiths]

One thing to watch out for if getting cash last-minute is dispensing issues, where for some reason the machine doesn't spit out the cash.  These sometimes still count towards your daily limit, meaning you can't make another withdrawal if you have reached your limit.

My credit card gives me cash-back for food, petrol, etc so I always pay for these by card.

I have never had that fortunately. However i did use a Sainsburys machine in the early hours and it took 10 mins to give me my card and money back. I was standing their like a spare part, not used it since.

[smiths]

Post office one went down to 250 recently, Tesco has been for a while, so have filling stations.

Have you tried using it twice?  Not tried it yet as can get 500 on two cards.

2 of my local petrol station ATMs are max £500. I have noticed local Post Office machines are max £250 but as i said above i just do 2 transactions if i want £500 in all.

As an aside 2 Nationwide ATMs near me dont operate after 10pm till 6am, too much fraud activity a branch member told me at night.

[lillythesavage]

ATM outside the bank, £500 is not a problem.

ATM at petrol station or Newsagent is limited to £250.  You can withdraw in multiple £250 upto your daily limit.

Which makes it a pointless exercise, just more queues 

[GingerNuts]

ATM outside the bank, £500 is not a problem.

ATM at petrol station or Newsagent is limited to £250.  You can withdraw in multiple £250 upto your daily limit.

Never had a problem using supermarkets. I'm unlikely to use a petrol station or newsagent as they're often the ones with a fee for withdrawals.

[smiths]

Never had a problem using supermarkets. I'm unlikely to use a petrol station or newsagent as they're often the ones with a fee for withdrawals.

I have never seen a petrol station ATM charge anywhere near me, i have with newsagents many times. ALL supermarkets near me have a £500 max limit. The only time i cant get that is if the machine is short of cash and less is offered, or nothing at all which happened over the Diamond Jubilee bank holiday as i assume the machine i tried hadnt been sorted out for 4 days. Also 1 machine did the same over the Christmas bank holiday.

[WelshClipper]

I do empathise with the OP in that I find cash a nuisance. These days I tap my phone for everything except when the machine requests me to insert the card to ascertain its still me. Phone transactions are so convenient.

I dont want to speculate on whether SPs declare tax or not but as others have said, its all about traceability of the transaction that will always stop me from paying an SP electronically.

[lillythesavage]

I have never seen a petrol station ATM charge anywhere near me, i have with newsagents many times. ALL supermarkets near me have a £500 max limit. The only time i cant get that is if the machine is short of cash and less is offered, or nothing at all which happened over the Diamond Jubilee bank holiday as i assume the machine i tried hadnt been sorted out for 4 days. Also 1 machine did the same over the Christmas bank holiday.

Filling stations rarely have charges and used loads of them around the country, shop ones it is down to the shopkeeper I believe, as 1 local has no charges and 1 has, both with exactly the same machine.
Not a major problem if you can just use it twice, but supermarkets seem to be rolling it out, with a 250 limit recently. my local Tesco has also reduced machines from 3 to 1.

[petermisc]

I have never had a hole in the wall machine charge me.  It is the stand-alone machines inside shops that you have to watch out for.

[snaitram99]

I do empathise with the OP in that I find cash a nuisance. These days I tap my phone for everything except when the machine requests me to insert the card to ascertain its still me. Phone transactions are so convenient.

What happens if you lose your phone?

[pantywetter]

I don't see how discretion would be an issue unless your friends/family have access to your bank statements?

Which is a risk even if you are paying in cash. 

My bank statement is a series of £200, £250 and £300 cash withdrawals.

Still prefer that over payments to “Fanny LTD”

[smiths]

Filling stations rarely have charges and used loads of them around the country, shop ones it is down to the shopkeeper I believe, as 1 local has no charges and 1 has, both with exactly the same machine.
Not a major problem if you can just use it twice, but supermarkets seem to be rolling it out, with a 250 limit recently. my local Tesco has also reduced machines from 3 to 1.

I recently used a Tesco Express machine and that had a £250 limit but i needed £400 but was able to get another £150 out.