Report IKEA Goes Cashless at Key Thai Stores Amid Mixed Reactions

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

In a bid to embrace Thailand's growing shift towards a cashless society, IKEA has introduced a significant change in its payment policy. As of April 21, 2025, the Swedish furniture giant announced that cash payments will no longer be accepted at three prominent branches: IKEA Bangna, IKEA Bang Yai, and IKEA Chiang Mai.

 

Revealed through its official IKEA Thailand Facebook page, the decision showcases IKEA's commitment to aligning with modern consumer preferences. Shoppers at these locations are now encouraged to use one of the four accepted cashless payment options: QR codes, credit and debit cards, IKEA gift cards, or IKEA Family points.

 

 

 

However, this move has sparked a mixed response on social media. While many acknowledge the convenience and popularity of cashless transactions, some users voiced concerns. Critics argue that keeping cash as a payment option is essential for individuals uncomfortable with digital payments or those without access to banking facilities. Additionally, there are worries about potential disruptions if digital payment systems encounter technical issues.

 

Despite the mixed reactions, IKEA's decision affects only part of its Thai network, as the company operates five branches in total, including IKEA Phuket and IKEA Sukhumvit, where cash payments are still accepted. As Thailand increasingly embraces cashless transactions, businesses like IKEA are navigating the balance between technological adaptation and inclusivity for all consumers.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Scandasia 2025-04-23

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

I don't think I've ever paid with cash at IKEA anyway.

 

But for a business to go 'cashless' and potentially ostracise some customers is poor business practice IMO - they should allow as many avenues for customers to pay as possible. 

 

 

20 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Additionally, there are worries about potential disruptions if digital payment systems encounter technical issues.

 

That doesn't really change anything - IF there are technical difficulties with digital payment systems, who carries 'enough cash' around in their wallets for the average IKEA bill anyway ?

 

 

 

 

[BritManToo]

51 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I don't think I've ever paid with cash at IKEA anyway.

 

But for a business to go 'cashless' and potentially ostracise some customers is poor business practice IMO - they should allow as many avenues for customers to pay as possible

You think people without smartphones shop at IKEA?

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

53 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I don't think I've ever paid with cash at IKEA anyway.

 

But for a business to go 'cashless' and potentially ostracise some customers is poor business practice IMO - they should allow as many avenues for customers to pay as possible

You think people without smartphones shop at IKEA?

 

Does it matter ?... Its still a flawed business model to potentially turn anyone away.

 

We've already read on this forum from numerous boomers who refuse to shop anywhere that does not permit cash payment...   so IKEA would lose those customers too.

 

I'm not against digital payments - I'm quite pro-digital payments and find the arguments of some against 'digital payment' to be highly flawed.

 

I'm 'pro-options' and believe its better for the consumer to be offered as many options as possible.

 

Its not big deal of course, this won't impact me in the slightest - but I have an opinion on such business behavior thats all.

[roo860]

They can stick their meatballs up their ar£e

[Ralf001]

23 minutes ago, roo860 said:

They can stick their meatballs up their ar£e

 

I prefer their chicken balls, Good value at Bt.650 a kg.

[watchcat]

7 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 

I prefer their chicken balls, Good value at Bt.650 a kg.

 

Do you have any itdea what they're made of

[GammaGlobulin]

Right!

IKEA will NEVER get my cash.

I never shop there.

Just not my style.

 

I do not understand people that love IKEA....

 

But, live and let live, is my belief.....in life....

 

Mostly things fit for a Doll House, has always been my impression.

 

 

[JoseThailand]

I hope 7-11 can go cashless one day

[Ralf001]

2 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

Do you have any itdea what they're made of

 

No I don't but highly likely it aint chicken.

 

They taste great though.

[NoMoonLogistics]

And the parasitic bankers are one step closer to taking a cut on 100% of the world's financial transactions. And with EVERYthing fully documented and duely recorded.

 

And all you pussies fold. 

 

Another reason to not step inside this pseudo stylish, cheap charlie's, faux furniture fashion dumpster truck - the other reason being that their prices are 100s of % more expensive in Thailand than in Ikea stores in eg, Australia.

[redwood1]

13 hours ago, roo860 said:

They can stick their meatballs up their ar£e

 

Sir I agree 100%.......The cashless sheeple wont mind....But loads of sales will be lost over some brain washed principal....

[redwood1]

4 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

I hope 7-11 can go cashless one day

 

Great we can spend hours in line as people screw around with their smart phones...

[Zaphod Priest]

5 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

Do you have any itdea what they're made of

 

It's in the name:  chicken balls.  Only made from parts of male chickens which are a.k.a. cocks.

[jollyhangmon]

... funfact, know where their weird product names come from?

 

It's always the name of the first customer that died trying to set up said product ... an old tradition apparently, 5555 ...

 

[Patong2021]

13 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Does it matter ?... Its still a flawed business model to potentially turn anyone away.

 

We've already read on this forum from numerous boomers who refuse to shop anywhere that does not permit cash payment...   so IKEA would lose those customers too.

 

I'm not against digital payments - I'm quite pro-digital payments and find the arguments of some against 'digital payment' to be highly flawed.

 

I'm 'pro-options' and believe its better for the consumer to be offered as many options as possible.

 

Its not big deal of course, this won't impact me in the slightest - but I have an opinion on such business behavior thats all.

 

Please think it through and keep the Ikea customer demographic in mind.

The customer base for Ikea is already using digital payments which includes debit and credit cards in addition to telephone apps.

The company most likely  looked at its transactions in detail and realized that  very few if any were paying with cash at the branches where the change will occur.  The dinosaur brigade that you refer to who refuse to use debit cards or payment apps, are not likely to be customers, let alone have the  intelligence or ability to assemble Ikea furniture anyway, so no need to worry about whether or not they agree.  

 

Ikea  sells low cost disposable furniture. The customer base is well documented IKEA's target market primarily consists of the global middle-class group, particularly individuals aged 20-34.

In the USA  The credit and financing company Earnest recently analyzed a dataset of more than 10,000 American shoppers’ spending habits to address a pertinent question: When do consumers ditch Ikea? The answer: at approximately the age of 34.

 

 

 

[impulse]

13 hours ago, BritManToo said:

You think people without smartphones shop at IKEA?

 

I think a lot of people with smartphones don't have cashless payment options on them.  I'm one of them.

 

[koolkarl]

I won't be shopping at Ikea.  I don't like my purchase info stored on a computer forever. 

Besides, their meatballs are made from pork.

[MadAtMatrix]

6 minutes ago, koolkarl said:

I won't be shopping at Ikea.  I don't like my purchase info stored on a computer forever. 

Besides, their meatballs are made from pork.

Nothing wrong with pork

 

 

[JonnyF]

5 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

I hope 7-11 can go cashless one day

 

Yeah I love waiting behind someone finding/playing with their phone for 5 minutes to pay for a bar of chocolate. 

 

Especially when they have to tell the cashier their phone number 3 times. 

[BritManToo]

28 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

I think a lot of people with smartphones don't have cashless payment options on them.  I'm one of them.

 

No KFC for you then

and Pizza Co are moving in that direction.

[impulse]

10 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

No KFC for you then!

 

I think they take plastic.  And if they don't, no great loss to me. 

 

I already quit Starbucks in Bangkok because they don't take cash and I don't like pulling out the plastic for a $5 transaction.  That's forced me to try other coffee shops with coffee that's just as good and half the price.  And they take cash.

 

 

[BritManToo]

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Yeah I love waiting behind someone finding/playing with their phone for 5 minutes to pay for a bar of chocolate. 

 

Especially when they have to tell the cashier their phone number 3 times. 

KFC don't have a cashier, all touch screen ordering and QR payment.

[nick supreme]

14 hours ago, roo860 said:

They can stick their meatballs up their ar£e

sounds hot.

[NorthernRyland]

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

No KFC for you then

and Pizza Co are moving in that direction.

 

What happens to tourists then? I just got a Bangkok Bank account a couple years ago but I never setup the QR codes/Prompt Pay for whatever it's all called. I'm basically in the same boat as tourists now unless my wife is with me.

 

Honestly I think I would just stop eating KFC and Pizza Co out of spite, which is easy because they're both pretty crap to be honest.

[impulse]

Just now, BritManToo said:

KFC don't have a cashier, all touch screen ordering and QR payment.

 

Judging from the number of times I've seen a 7/11, Tops, Big C and other cashiers having to help a customer with their QR payment, that's got to be costing them business.  I've walked out of several places like that when I couldn't get the self serve kiosk to get my order right, or to accept my plastic.  Sometimes, we luddites need help navigating the menu.  But we do have sweaty cash...

 

OTOH, I'm always amazed at the Thai and Chinese netizens that score big online discounts when they go in for fast food.

 

 

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Revealed through its official IKEA Thailand Facebook page, the decision showcases IKEA's commitment to aligning with modern consumer preferences.

Not my preference at all... I'll vote with my feet and cash..

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, watchcat said:

 

Do you have any itdea what they're made of

All the scraps left-over at the chicken processing plant that cannot be packaged and sold as anything else...

if you like skin and cartilage ground up and rolled into a ball then help yourself.

[Dakhar]

I dont like the idea of my money or my spending habits being recorded. In my opinion, it's an opportunity for a govt over reach situation.

[bendejo]

25 minutes ago, koolkarl said:

I won't be shopping at Ikea.  I don't like my purchase info stored on a computer forever. 

Besides, their meatballs are made from pork.

A few years ago they were horse meat.

 

There is a warehouse store in US called Costco.  They are cashless, and have been for decades, and they also charge a membership fee.  At this time they only take Visa cards.