Gen Z Making Cash Cool
BFC Enterprises • October 1, 2022

How Gen Z is Making Cash Cool, Again

Gen Z is paying and saving as if they aren’t in the current inflation-stricken economy. From the COVID-19 challenging financial situation and being raised with high food and gas costs, saving money and controlling finances is a concern for this younger generation.

 

Also, learning from the huge debts of their parents and grandparents, Gen Z won’t make the same mistake. Therefore, they are looking for ways to spend less on purchases and save. Interestingly, using cash is the method of choice for this up-and-coming demographic.

 

Cash usage declined due to competition from cards and other digital payment methods. The pandemic was also a major blow as misinformation was put out by the main street media that the virus could spread through paper currency, moving many Americans to online shopping and reducing cash usage. Yet, Gen Z’s love of cash couldn't break, with many saying they prefer cash for daily transactions since it helps them stay out of debt and take control of their finances.

 

Moreover, 37% of their payments are cash compared to 22% of Gen X and Millennials. A TikTok challenge with youths breaking Hennessy bottles to access their bills broke the internet, proving the effectiveness of cash usage among Gen Z.

 

Yet, despite the misinformation that paper money and coins could spread COVID, cash usage rose from 19% to 20% in 2021. That was the first increase since the Federal Reserve Diary of Consumer Payment Choice did its first research in 2016.

 

What’s Triggering Cash Use Among Gen Z?

In contrast to the general trend, a large fraction of Generation Z use cash. Arguments claim they are too young to use credit cards. Others claim they are concerned about taking on debt or may even believe it’s a great way to curb unnecessary spending.

 

So, what can American’s learn from Gen Z’s love of cash as we face record high-inflation?

 

  • Cash provides bargaining power: Discounts offered by small businesses are the biggest reasons Gen Z uses cash. Why? More and more merchants are using ‘Cash Discounting Programs,’ which impose fees on consumers who pay with a card. And with cash, consumers are likely to stay within their budget.

 

  • Avoid debt by using cash: With American debts soaring above $800 million, Gen Z consumers have learned from their parents and grandparents the bitter consequences of racking up debt through credit card usage. Gen Z has found a way to counter that risk - by using cash. They acknowledge that cash is tangible and easier to track and keeps them from overspending.

 

  • Cash makes budgeting easier: For many younger consumers, using cash helps them stay on budget. That became clear when the #CashStuffing hashtag went viral on TikTok. Through this online challenge, Gen Z is showing the world how they use cash to make reasonable purchases that keep them within their budget. Rather simple and old fashioned, cash stuffing is simple. At the beginning of each month, you allocate a certain amounts for purchases in respective envelopes such as groceries, utilities and lunch. This allows consumers to track how they spend and when they are run out of cash in each respective envelope, they stop spending. It’s also easy to set aside an envelope for savings!

 

Without a doubt cash is a terrific way to ensure you don’t overspend, stay out of debt and control impulse buying. 


Find out if your business qualifies for a free, turn-key ATM. Contact BFC ATM today!

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
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.