Contactless Revolution: The Decline of Cash Among Tradies
Digital Payments Transform Tradie Transactions in Australia
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Australia is embracing a cashless economy, a trend that is significantly reshaping how tradespeople, or "tradies," handle transactions in their day-to-day operations.
Graham Tomkinson, a Western Australian tradie, typifies the shift away from paper money. "Nowadays, nobody pays with cash," he says. Tomkinson has not used cash both in his professional and personal life, a stark contrast to his earlier years when he would carry pocket money.
"I keep my wallet in the car simply to store my Medicare card and tool receipts. If someone stole it, I'd just need to re-register for another Medicare card," explains Tomkinson. This casual approach highlights the diminished presence of cash in his life.
Harrison Lockyer, a 20-year-old mechanic, seconds Tomkinson's experience: "EFTPOS is ubiquitous now. The only time I keep cash is for buying car parts or in case our EFTPOS network fails."
Steven Sousamlis, a builder who operates a bathroom renovation business in Sydney, believes the move towards a cashless society is inevitable. "It's increasingly rare for stores to prefer cash. Obtaining cash from banks feels more tiresome, almost like an inquisition," says Sousamlis. "With ATMs becoming rarer, carrying cash is more of a hassle than it’s worth nowadays."
Phil Cooksey, currently a general manager at Apprentices Are Us LTD and former tradie, vividly remembers when cash ruled the trades industry from 2002 to 2018. "We used to prefer cash. It simplified transactions and often meant work could be done more cheaply. Handling cash was an everyday occurrence," he recounts.
Cooksey is critical of how the decline of cash impacts the perceived value of money. According to him, a $50 note used to be worth $50 throughout, whereas now every card transaction chips away a small percentage. "Each bank fee diminishes the total transaction value," he laments.
Besides the practical shifts, there's a sentiment shared by Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, suggesting that "cash is dead.” Finder's research shows that ATM usage has been plummeting since 2008 and could disappear entirely by 2030 if the current trajectory continues.
This evolution towards a cashless economy, though gradual, exemplifies how technology and convenience are driving significant shifts in traditional practices, even for cash-dependent professions like trades.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Plenti Group Limited, a prominent Australian fintech lender, has announced a record cash profit before tax (PBT) of $30.8 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. This figure represents a remarkable 117% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the company's robust growth and operational efficiency. - read more
In response to the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent decision to raise the national cash rate to 4.35%, Australia's major banks have announced corresponding increases in their interest rates. This marks the third consecutive rate hike this year, bringing the cash rate back to levels last seen in early 2025. - read more
Beforepay Group, an ASX-listed financial technology company, has reported a substantial 73% increase in personal loan originations during the third quarter of the 2026 fiscal year. This growth underscores the rising consumer demand for accessible and flexible financial solutions in Australia. - read more
Welcome to our ultimate guide on maintaining a healthy credit score. Whether you're just starting your credit journey or you're an experienced borrower, understanding how to keep your score high is crucial. - read more
Embarking on the journey to secure a personal loan can often seem like navigating through a complex financial landscape. Particularly for Australians, where the market is bustling with a multitude of lenders each with their respective criteria and rates, increasing the chances of loan approval is a pursuit that requires insight and preparation. - read more
Welcome to your essential guide on how to navigate the complex world of personal loans in Australia. Whether you're seeking to finance a major purchase, consolidate debt, or cover unexpected costs, understanding the nuts and bolts of personal loans is crucial. In this conversation, we'll shed light on why being credit-savvy is not just smart, but necessary for anyone considering a loan. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare
rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect
your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Equity: The value of an ownership interest in an asset or company, after all debts and liabilities are deducted.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.