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.
Recent personal loan market updates suggest Australian borrowers are seeing more competition in some parts of the lending market, but the benefits are not being shared evenly. Secured borrowers with stable income and strong repayment histories may find sharper advertised rates, while people applying for unsecured loans, short term loans or specialist bad credit loans still face a more complicated pricing picture. - read more
Recent personal lending updates from Australia’s loan comparison market suggest borrowers are still facing a mixed environment. While some advertised rates have become more competitive, unsecured personal loan pricing remains uneven, especially for applicants who do not fit a mainstream bank profile. For Australians with limited credit history, casual income, self-employment or past repayment issues, the headline rate is only one part of the decision. - read more
Debt consolidation is moving back into focus as Australians continue to balance higher living costs, credit card balances, buy now pay later commitments and personal loan repayments. Recent finance sector commentary suggests more borrowers are looking for ways to simplify their debts, not necessarily to borrow more, but to make existing obligations easier to manage. - read more
Australia’s fast-growing private credit market is again under the regulatory spotlight, with ASIC warning that borrowers, investors and superannuation members may be more exposed to private lending risks than many realise. The latest concern centres on a sector that has expanded as banks have become more selective, especially in areas such as property development, construction finance and specialist business lending. - read more
HSBC Bank Australia has been ordered to pay a $35 million penalty after admitting serious failures in how it protected customers from scams. The case is significant because it moves beyond warning consumers to be alert and places stronger focus on the systems banks use to detect, prevent and respond to unauthorised transactions. - read more
In the first quarter of 2026, Australians borrowed a record $5.1 billion in new personal loans, reflecting the mounting financial pressures from escalating living costs. This significant increase underscores the challenges many individuals face in managing daily expenses. - read more
OnDeck Australia has announced an increase in its Lightning Loan limits, now offering up to $300,000 in unsecured funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This enhancement aims to meet the growing demand for quick and accessible business financing. - read more
In December 2025, Australian businesses demonstrated a significant increase in credit demand, with applications rising by 5.1% compared to the previous year. This uptick suggests a shift from cautious financial management to proactive investment in growth and expansion. - read more
The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) has announced the introduction of two new low-interest loan products aimed at supporting Australian farmers and fishers grappling with the adverse effects of drought and harmful algal blooms. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to bolstering the resilience of the nation's primary producers in the face of environmental challenges. - read more
In a significant development within Australia's property investment sector, buyer's agency Dashdot has collapsed, leaving hundreds of clients financially impacted. This event has raised serious concerns about the practices and stability of buyer's agencies operating in the country. - read more
Let's dive into the essential topic of emergency funds. An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the financial surprises life throws your way. These unexpected events can include sudden unplanned repairs, medical emergencies, or job loss. - read more
Loan approval can often be a crucial milestone in achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to buy a home, pay for education, or consolidate debt, securing a loan can provide the financial boost you need to move forward. - read more
Before applying for a no-credit-check or short-term loan, Australian borrowers should understand the total repayment cost, not just the amount borrowed. This guide explains common fees, interest, repayment frequency, loan terms and risk factors to compare. - read more
Choosing the right loan can be a pivotal decision in your personal financial journey. In Australia, where a diverse range of loan options is available, selecting the loan that aligns perfectly with your needs is more crucial than ever. A judicious choice can help you fulfill your dreams—be it buying a new home, investing in education, or consolidating debt—while ensuring that the repayments remain manageable and do not lead to financial strain. - read more
Soft inquiries are a type of credit check that does not impact your credit score. These checks occur when you or a company reviews your credit report as part of a background check, pre-approval process, or other non-lending purpose. - read more
When it comes to securing a loan, the terms you agree to can have a lasting impact on your financial wellness. It's crucial to strike a balance between finding a loan that fits your needs and maintaining a healthy credit score. This delicate equilibrium is where loan comparison tools come into play, serving as navigational aids in the vast sea of credit options. - read more
Managing personal finances judiciously becomes paramount when dealing with loans and their repayments. A potential obstacle many encounter is preserving or enhancing their credit score while simultaneously undertaking the necessary financial commitments of loan repayments. Understanding how to navigate this terrain is vital to financial health. - read more
Understanding financial health is paramount when venturing into the realm of loan acquisition. It's the backbone that supports not just your immediate monetary requirements but ensures longevity in your fiscal stability. At the heart of this understanding lies a critical aspect: the credit score. It's a numerical representation of your financial trustworthiness, influenced by past fiscal decisions and behaviors. - read more
Understanding the mechanics behind credit scores is pivotal for anyone navigating the intricate world of finance. A strong credit score does not only unlock the gates to a plethora of borrowing options but also secures favorable interest rates, which can save you a substantial amount of money over time. It acts as a financial passport, one that enables you to achieve milestones such as purchasing a home or car with ease. - read more
Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for anyone looking to secure their financial future. A good credit score can open doors to better loan rates, more favourable credit card terms, and even housing opportunities. It's something that impacts many major financial decisions you make in life. Without a solid score, you might end up paying more in interest and find it harder to get approval for the things you really need. - 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 and without obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Debt-to-Equity Ratio: A measure of a companys financial leverage, calculated by dividing its total liabilities by stockholders equity.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.