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

RBA Holds Rates: A Timely Checkpoint for Borrowers

19 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s June decision to keep the cash rate target unchanged at 4.35 per cent marks an important pause after three consecutive rate increases earlier in 2026. For households, sole traders and small to medium-sized business owners, the hold does not mean borrowing has suddenly become cheaper. It does, however, create a valuable moment to reassess existing debt, planned applications and overall cash flow before the next policy move. - read more

RBA Shock Warning: What It Means for Australians Managing Debt

19 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia has issued a fresh warning that Australia’s financial system needs to be ready for a more unstable and disruption-prone future. In a 17 June 2026 speech, Assistant Governor Brad Jones pointed to rising geopolitical tension, cyber threats, foreign interference, sanctions risk and pressure on critical payments infrastructure as issues financial institutions can no longer treat as remote concerns. - read more

What AFIA’s Motor Finance Report Means for Car Buyers

19 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s motor finance market is changing quickly, and the latest report from the Australian Finance Industry Association, released on 5 June 2026, puts non-bank vehicle lenders firmly in the spotlight. The report says motor finance non-bank lenders supported 507,000 consumer and commercial vehicle purchases in 2025, with $24.4 billion in new loans and $53 billion in active loan balances at year end. - read more

New Sydney Boat Show Could Change the Buying Journey

19 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s boating calendar is set for a major shake-up, with Informa preparing to launch the Australian International Boat Show at Sydney’s Darling Harbour from 29 July 2027. The event is planned across ICC Sydney and Cockle Bay, combining a large indoor exhibition for trailer boats, engines, marine technology, accessories and services with an on-water showcase for larger vessels. - read more

Road User Charge Fight Highlights Cashflow Risks for Truck Operators

19 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

NatRoad has renewed its push for the Federal Government to extend the heavy vehicle Road User Charge suspension beyond its scheduled end on 30 June 2026, warning that a return of the levy from 1 July 2026 would add another cost shock for transport businesses already dealing with fuel volatility. - read more

Click for more Finance News