What is a Cashless Event?

A cashless event is one where food, drink and merchandise are paid for by card, phone or a topped-up wristband, instead of notes and coins. Many festivals and arenas have gone fully or partly cashless to speed up queues, reduce cash handling and gather sales data. The move has also raised concerns about people who rely on cash.

How a cashless event works

Cashless payments at events usually follow these steps:

  1. Choose a system: card and phone payments only, or a closed-loop system using RFID wristbands.
  2. Top up: with wristbands, fans add credit online before the event or at top-up points on site.
  3. Pay: fans tap their card, phone or wristband at bars, food stalls and merch stands.
  4. Settle traders: the organiser pays traders their share of sales after the event.
  5. Refund: unused wristband credit is refunded after the event, sometimes for a fee.

Cashless systems bring together organisers, traders and bars, all part of planning a festival with Crescat for festivals.

Cashless vs card-only

A card-only event accepts bank cards and phones but no cash. A closed-loop cashless event uses its own wristband credit, which must be topped up first. Closed-loop systems give the organiser more control and data but need a refund process.

Pros and cons of cashless events

  • Pro: faster queues at bars and stalls
  • Pro: less cash to count, store and transport
  • Pro: real-time sales data for organisers and traders
  • Con: excludes people who rely on cash
  • Con: refund fees and unused credit can frustrate fans
  • Con: depends on power and connectivity on site

Frequently asked questions

What if I do not have a bank card?

Many cashless events offer top-up points that take cash, or prepaid cards. Check the event's website before you go, as policies vary.

Do I get my money back if I do not spend my credit?

Usually, yes, through a refund process after the event. Some events charge a small fee or set a deadline for claiming refunds.

Why do festivals go cashless?

Mainly to speed up service, improve security and get better data on sales. Faster queues often mean higher sales for bars and traders, and less cash on site reduces the risk of theft.

Related terms