Contactless Revolution: The Decline of Cash Among Tradies

6

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Celebrating Marine Innovation at the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show

16 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The 56th Sydney International On-Water Boat Show recently concluded after four dynamic days at Darling Harbour, drawing over 20,000 visitors and highlighting the latest advancements in marine design and technology. Presented by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and Mulpha Events, the event featured more than 160 vessels from 120 leading international and Australian marine brands. - read more

Australian Truck Sales Experience Decline as Market Stabilises in 2025

15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian truck and van market has experienced a notable decline in 2025, with sales figures indicating an 11.8% decrease compared to the previous year. According to the Truck Industry Council (TIC), a total of 33,727 heavy vehicles were sold by the end of September, marking a significant drop from the 38,254 units sold during the same period in 2024. - read more

Scania's First Battery Electric Truck Joins Total Logistics Solutions Fleet

15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a landmark move towards sustainable transportation, Scania has delivered its first battery electric truck to Total Logistics Solutions (TLS), a prominent Australian logistics provider. The Scania 25 P, a 10-pallet curtainsider equipped with a powered tailgate, is set to revolutionise urban deliveries by eliminating tailpipe emissions. - read more

ATA's $5 Billion Road Upgrade Plan Aims to Lower Living Costs

15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has proposed a comprehensive $5 billion investment in targeted road upgrades over the next decade. This initiative is designed to support the adoption of high-productivity and low-emission trucks, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the transport sector and contributing to a reduction in the cost of living for Australian households. - read more

Hanwha's Stake in Austal: Australia's Conditional Approval

13 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's shipbuilding industry, the Australian government has approved South Korean conglomerate Hanwha's proposal to increase its shareholding in Austal Limited from 9.9% to 19.9%. This decision comes with stringent conditions aimed at protecting national security interests. - read more

Click for more Finance News