This is the question being posed by concerned Lithgow residents and social media users around Australia after Woolworths announced a cashless trial in a handful of Metro branded stores of which just one is in NSW.

A post on a Lithgow community social media page about the trial garnered dozens of comments on Thursday morning vehemently against the idea of going cashless.

'Dumbest idea ever, I will no longer shop there,' one commenter wrote.

'How are people who want to pay by cash supposed to buy groceries? That's ridiculous,' said another.

But, is it anything to be worried about? The Lithgow Mercury reached out Woolworths for comment on the trial and whether it will affect regular Woolworths stores.

In the news:

A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed that the cashless trial will not affect Lithgow's store and no local stores are included in the trial.

"As more and more customers choose to pay with cards, we're trialling all electronic payments in a small selection of Metro stores which currently see very few cash transactions," the spokesperson said.

"We understand cash remains an important payment option for many of our customers and it continues to be offered in all Woolworths Supermarkets and the majority of our Metro stores.

"We will closely monitor the feedback from our customers during this trial."

The following Metro stores accept electronic payment only: Bourke Street and Elizabeth Street in Victoria and North Sydney, Manly, York Street and George Street in NSW.

All other Woolworths stores, with the exception of nine Metro stores listed above, continue to offer a mix of cash and electronic payment methods in self-serve areas.

It's worth noting that retailers such as Harris Farm and a number of fast food retailers already operate card only registers or stores. Similarly, commuters can only pay with cards on buses in NSW.

What do you think? Share your thoughts and comments with the Lithgow Mercury below.