I would guess this is an attempt to quash the drug trade, which requires cash. I'm sure people will find a workaround though. It would restrict many private person-to-person sales, so it would boost retailers quite a bit. Garage sales and the like will be a lot more difficult. Farmer's markets too.

Also it makes it easier to track down people who the police are looking for. That sounds fine until you realize how many false convictions exists and how eager cops are to find, "medium height, medium build, medium skin with a red or blue shirt on."

If I trusted law enforcement / justice system to be accountable and right their wrongs, I'd be more okay with it. They can freeze your assets and make it really hard to get a lawyer and no cash to afford one. Also it would suck during hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Assume the worst before you sign over your privacy. It's just not worth it, I pay taxes, the government can continue to provide cash as a transaction method for citizens.

I'm sure the credit card companies are lobbying to push this through as well. 3% on all transactions forever ain't nothin'.

So what's the benefit of forcing this on people? Why is having a choice between cash or card on any transaction bad?