Thnk you are just old and grumpy :-)

I used my debit (not credit) card as much as possible as I tend not to have much cash on me as normally there is no need and any loose change I do have I like to keep for something like a Pay Display car park.

+1 for just old and grumpy.

Rarely use cash. Credit cards for everything. Santander 123 if it's supermarket or petrol. Barclaycard Cashback for everything else. No reason why it should take any longer than a cashier checking the cash you have given them/counting out change.

Agreed IF the terminal connections are fast; round here there is often quite a delay before the transaction is approved, and a further delay if cash back is requested, when a receipt has to be signed. (and there is a free to use ATM not 20 yards away!)

I fill up with petrol on the card, I'll use it for significant purchases, what I originally questioned was using a card for one item costing under a pound.

I must admit that it can be annoying waiting for such a trivial transaction. Personally I could not have managed without plastic, although not for small purchases. When working I travelled a lot every week and was away about 3 nights a week on average. I simply could not carry enough cash to buy fuel, meals, hotels etc etc. I find contactless pretty good and quick for smaller amounts too. I still however do not feel happy unless I have about 30 or 40 pounds cash with me. I do think the plastic obsession is with the younger generation though and if I were a business where they were the main customers then I too would be happy to take their money via plastic.

Cheers Concrete