We use to when our old house had prepayment meters. Landlord wouldn’t let us get them switched so I would frequently pay for those top ups by card rather than cash as I don’t carry cash. I hate cash which is why I always try to pay it in if I’m given it.
As for other bills, I’m not sure but I’d assume most greeting paid to a PayPoint would be weekly/monthly therefor probably not vast sums. Again just an assumption though
It would be good if one of the shopkeepers from further up could clarify the average bill amount they accept
They are often installed in places that have a high turnover of tennants such as student accommodation as well. Some landloards just request them as its easier. I switched mine from bill to prepayment by calling. It’s easier to budget
It’s not odd at all. If you don’t pay your bill here it gets shut off too They’re just more accommodating in the UK than the US.
Prepay meters VS monthly bills can be related in a similar way to phones.
You either have a Pay as you go sim or you can have a contract sim.
Prepay meters are for those who don’t qualify for a contract (ie. poor credit history or low income), have a known history of missed payments or as @Rat_au_van said: some people prefer them or businesses can request them to mitigate losses.
Pre pay meters exist in the USA but they’re not very common. An old article showing how at least one firm hoped they would become more popular in the States.
I still find it strange how pre payment or pay as you go is rare to find outside the UK. (apart from petrol which you don’t prepay in the UK)
I only have my phone on a sim only contract because three charges higher prices for unlimited data on pay as you go. (I have no credit history and got it fine)
Paypoint is ridiculous. I don’t know why Monzo didn’t just pull a starling.
Half the Paypoints I’ve been to have been none the wiser idiots who don’t know how to use their own system.
I’m sure they understand now regardless.