“Your money isn’t welcome here.” It’s a very rare occasion that diners at a restaurant will ever hear these words, but they may soon be common at US-based fast casual chain Sweetgreen, which is getting rid of cash payments in most of its 64 stores. Are Americans ready to ditch physical currency?

Rapidly shifting market forces have made China the largest and most sophisticated digital (and notably mobile) payment market in the world. In turn, these forces are also changing consumer behaviour and pushing the country’s consumers towards a society that no longer uses cash.

All over the world, countries are moving toward becoming cashless. While this does have its benefits – particularly for ostracised communities – it also creates issues for those people who rely mainly on cash and places a high level of power with large financial institutions.

The creation of Amazon Go – a cashierless supermarket where customers pick up items and walk out – seems to be winning in the race to master automated experiences. But competitors, such as Microsoft, are not staying far behind, giving the retail-giant some serious competition.