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
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Major Housing Initiative to Benefit First Home Buyers in South Australia

07 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move to address housing affordability, the Australian and South Australian governments have announced a partnership to construct 17,000 new homes across the state. This initiative, unveiled on 30 January 2026, aims to provide nearly 7,000 homes specifically for first home buyers, thereby facilitating easier access to the property market for many South Australians. - read more

ASIC Proposes Stricter Regulations for Private Lending Industry

06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has announced plans to implement stricter regulations within the private lending sector, aiming to enhance transparency and safeguard investors. This initiative follows a comprehensive review that revealed significant inconsistencies and opaque practices among private credit providers. - read more

Australian Business Loan Demand on the Rise

06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent data from the Broker Pulse: Commercial Lending report indicates a significant uptick in demand for business loans and commercial mortgages across Australia. This trend reflects growing economic confidence among businesses as they seek to expand and invest in new opportunities. - read more

APRA Sets New Debt-to-Income Limits for Mortgage Lending

06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the implementation of new debt-to-income (DTI) limits, effective from February 1, 2026. This regulatory measure is designed to mitigate financial risks associated with high-DTI mortgages in the Australian housing market. - read more

Prospa Achieves $5 Billion Milestone in SME Lending

06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

Prospa, a leading non-bank lender specialising in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing, has recently surpassed $5 billion in total funding since its inception in 2012. This significant achievement underscores Prospa's commitment to supporting Australian SMEs by providing accessible and flexible loan options. - read more

Click for more Finance News