FOX Carolina 21Paper or plastic? A look at cash vs. cards

"I believe you shouldn't spend more than what you have in your pocket, and what you can afford," said Zuharr Namouz, co-owner of The Pita House. "

Matt Tebbetts with the Greenville Federal Credit Union said the restaurant is one of a few businesses that deals only in cash, which can be risky.

"Dealing with cash means sometimes there is no accountability, but when you accept and use debit or credit cards, if there is a problem, the bank or credit union supports you," Tebbetts said.

Tebbetts said that he has seen more people transition from cash to debit or credit, with ATM use is down 10 percent because people are carrying less cash.

"People like to do what everyone else is doing," Tebbetts said. "So if people are swiping cards, they want to swipe their own card too."

While plastic might be popular, author of "EntreLeadership" and financial radio host Dave Ramsey said that cash keeps people more responsible.

"Cash is something tangible, its money that you can see and feel," Ramsey said. "And that's what you need to be financially responsible."

Ramsey said businesses like The Pita House cash-only policy is smart and will benefit them in the long run.

"There are fees associated with accepting credit cards, and businesses who accept cash don't have thousands of dollars in fees every month just to use the machine," Ramsey said. "Instead, they can rake in their cash, and keep it moving."

Namouz said that their cash-only policy traces back hundreds of years and is a basic concept.

"Back hundred years ago, it used to be called cash and carry, you pay cash, you take your stuff, and you say goodbye," Namouz said.

While some businesses may have been cash-only to avoid paying fees associated with debit and credit cards, the Durbin Amendment that went into effect in October will pay merchants about 21 cents per plastic transaction.

Some experts hope this will encourage more merchants to accept plastic.

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