Contactless Revolution: The Decline of Cash Among Tradies

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.

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.

Published:Saturday, 7th Sep 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

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.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Council of Financial Regulators' Quarterly Statement on Financial Stability

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

On 23 March 2026, the Council of Financial Regulators (CFR) convened for its regular quarterly meeting to discuss the stability of Australia's financial system amid escalating global geopolitical tensions. The CFR, comprising the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Treasury, and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), serves as the primary coordinating body for the nation's financial regulators. - read more

China Overtakes Japan as Australia's Top Vehicle Import Source

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

February 2026 witnessed a significant shift in Australia's automotive import landscape, with China surpassing Japan as the largest source of new vehicles. This marks the first time in 28 years that Japan has been dethroned from the top spot. - read more

Rising Fuel Prices Accelerate Australia's Shift to Electric Vehicles

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

As fuel prices in Australia continue to climb, reaching up to $2.50 per litre for unleaded petrol and surpassing $3 per litre for diesel, a growing number of consumers are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as a cost-effective alternative. - read more

How Digital Finance is Transforming Car Purchases in Australia

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The landscape of car purchasing in Australia is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of digital finance solutions. Traditional methods of securing car loans are being replaced by streamlined online processes, offering consumers faster approvals and enhanced convenience. - read more

Car Loan Interest Rates Forecast 2026: What to Expect

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

As we progress through 2026, prospective car buyers in Australia are keenly observing the trends in car loan interest rates to make informed financing decisions. Several factors are poised to influence these rates, and understanding them can aid consumers in navigating the lending landscape effectively. - read more

Click for more Finance News