I posted the following on the UK thread.

living in the today Canada is it possible, just like it was back in the 40's & 50's to use cash only or a pre-paid visa/MC cash card (not a bank debit card or credit card) for most everything for all regular bills, personal expenses, all shopping needs, even buying household items, car, groceries?

Money under the mattress or in the cookie jar - not in a bank account

If not, why not or which items can you not use cash for & why?

Rental items (vehicles, etc.) They wish to ensure that you will pay if you damage it.

wouldn't something like the pre-paid Visa/MC cash card do that?

http://www.bmo.com/home/personal/ban...d-credit-cards

http://www3.bmo.com/mosaik_images/ac...ewChart_en.pdf

Wouldn't work for me.....I'm like the queen!

It would be easier for me to answer, what do I need to cash for? Lockers, and parking meters, so my answer is No!

On the subject of lockers, what's with the non-refundable locker charges here?!

It may do it you wish to pre load it with the cost of the vehicle

I think the card covers insurance? Then again simply buy the insurance coverage from the rental place

cash only or the pre-paid card - why not?

Don't see why not

Buy a car for cash

Buy food with cash

Pay bills with cash, at the bank

Drink and be merry, cash is good for that too

Parking meters here take credit cards.

I don't know why you are debating this with me. You asked a question, I answered it. With the exception of paying for things remotely (via telephone, internet, etc.) the example I gave is the only one I can think of.

do you need to have a bank account if you live in a cash only existence in Canada?

I understand those working will either get paid by cheque or direct deposit - can that direct deposit be changed to ask your employer for a cheque which you would then cash at the RBC, TD or whatever the employer uses.

As for those on OAS/CPP for now its by cheque - simply to the bank & cash the cheque with proof of ID needed

forgive me - I wasn't debating or trying to rile you up.

I haven't gotten to 'living life without a phone' yet

Many dealers use cash only, they even have their own counting machines, no bank account required. Thing is though if you have no trace of income, ie: bank account, then the rozzers may want to know where the Lamborghini or Rolex cash was found

Its probably possible, and in fact preferable if you can get the tax free cash discount for doing so...

No rolex or expensive toys due to not having that much money

As a retired senior getting OAS/CPP cheques - off to the bank cash the cheques pay everything by cash. Any spare change is in the cookie jar or onto a pre-paid card. I don't think I am breaking the law.

I do not have a credit card or bank card & I am trying to see or know if its now possible to do it without having a a bank account - just like the good old days

At my age why would I need a good credit score