Too many questions asked at some POS payment systems.

Alternate title: Time to go back to paying cash at stores?

In stores at checkout time, many of the POS terminals that take debit cards are now asking far too many questions, although it varies from store to store. You should be able to put your card in the machine, type in your PIN, and approve the transaction paying for the item. Asking for cashback is an acceptable additional question, but it adds to the payment hassle. In some stores we're getting barraged with extra questions. What is your phone number? Would you like to join our mailing list? What is your zip code? Do you want to donate? Do you want a receipt? (is this question really necessary, if we don't have a receipt someone at the door or in the parking lot may demand to see the receipt and accuse us of stealing if we don't, many stores now have receipt checkers at the exit door) How did you hear about us today? I'm sure there are more question I'm not recalling.

If we pay with cash, the checker might ask us a few questions, but often it's a simple statement by the cashier, do you need any bags, then a statement of how much you owe, so you pass her the cash, and if change is required, the cashier does so, and hands you the receipt.

Is it time to go back to paying with cash? Debit cards were supposed to be a convenience so we didn't have to carry cash. At least in some stores, they've now become interrogations, and perhaps a form of disrespect.