What does "digital receipts only" mean?

"Digital receipts only" is a policy adopted by some retailers to eliminate the printing of paper receipts. Instead of handing you a printed receipt at the end of a transaction, the retailer sends your receipt electronically — typically by email or SMS.

Why retailers are switching

• Environmental — thermal paper is not recyclable in most areas. Eliminating it reduces waste and the use of BPA/BPS-coated materials.
• Cost — paper, thermal printer maintenance, and paper jams are ongoing operational costs that digital receipts eliminate.
• Customer data — collecting email addresses at checkout creates a direct marketing channel (with the customer's consent).
• Sustainability commitments — many large retailers have public commitments to reduce paper use as part of broader ESG goals.

What it means for you

You will need to provide an email address or phone number at the time of purchase to receive your receipt. If you decline, some retailers will offer no receipt at all — which creates a problem if you need the record for tax or warranty purposes.

How to handle "digital receipts only" retailers

• Use a dedicated receipts email address that you check regularly
• Have a receipt app ready to capture and organise incoming receipts
• If you prefer not to share your email, ask whether a printed receipt is available as an exception — some retailers can still print on request

Is it legal to offer only digital receipts?

In Australia, there is no law requiring retailers to provide paper receipts. Under the Australian Consumer Law, suppliers must give a receipt for cash transactions over $75, or for any transaction if the customer requests one — but the law does not require it to be on paper. A digital receipt satisfies this obligation. "Digital receipts only" is a legal policy.