Contactless Revolution: The Decline of Cash Among Tradies
Digital Payments Transform Tradie Transactions in Australia
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.
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.
In recent years, Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced mounting financial pressures, leading to a notable increase in insolvencies. A significant development in this landscape is the escalating involvement of non-bank lenders in court-based enforcement actions against struggling businesses. - read more
The post-holiday season often brings financial challenges for many Australians, with increased expenses leading to heightened stress. Recognizing this, Westpac has introduced a special debt consolidation personal loan at an interest rate of 11.95% per annum, available for a limited time. - read more
Australia's private credit market has experienced significant growth, with assets under management reaching $224 billion-a 9% increase from the previous year. This expansion comes even as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) raises concerns about valuation inconsistencies and liquidity practices within the sector. - read more
Personal loans are a type of financing option that individuals can use to fund various personal expenses. Unlike mortgages or car loans, they aren't earmarked for a specific purpose, giving borrowers more flexibility in how they use the funds. These loans are usually unsecured, which means you don’t have to provide collateral to borrow money. - read more
In the dynamic world of Australian finance, securing a loan can be a pivotal move for individuals seeking to achieve their financial goals. Whether it's for purchasing a dream home, expanding a business, or simply consolidating debt, the importance of smart loan comparison cannot be overstated. With an array of lending products available, borrowers are often faced with a bewildering choice. That's why equipping yourself with powerful loan comparison strategies is not just important, it's essential. - read more
Welcome to the world of car ownership! If you're a first-time borrower in Australia, you're likely to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Acquiring a car loan is a significant financial responsibility, and navigating through the options can be daunting. This introductory guide is designed to set you on the right path to making a well-informed decision. - read more
Knowledgebase
Interest Rate Lock: An agreement between a borrower and a lender that allows the borrower to lock in the interest rate on a mortgage for a specified time period.
