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

RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60% Amidst Inflationary Pressures

14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate steady at 3.60% during its November 2025 meeting. This decision reflects the central bank's ongoing concerns about inflation, which has risen above the target range of 2-3% and is expected to remain elevated for some time. - read more

ANZ Bank Adjusts Cash Rate Forecast: No Cuts Anticipated Until 2026

14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

ANZ Bank has revised its cash rate forecast, now expecting no cuts until February 2026. This adjustment aligns with similar revisions by other major banks, reflecting a collective response to recent economic data and RBA communications. - read more

RBA's November 2025 Statement: Inflation Trends and Economic Projections

14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its November 2025 Statement on Monetary Policy, highlighting concerns about rising inflation and providing insights into the future of the Australian economy. - read more

RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60% in November 2025

06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate unchanged at 3.60% during its November 2025 meeting. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach in balancing inflation control with employment objectives. - read more

ANZ Revises RBA Rate Cut Forecast to February 2026

06 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

ANZ has adjusted its forecast regarding the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) next cash rate cut, now anticipating the reduction to occur in February 2026. This revision aligns with similar adjustments by other major banks, reflecting a collective response to recent economic data and RBA communications. - read more

Click for more Finance News