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
Author: Paige Estritori

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.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Right to Repair Push Could Change the Farm Machinery Cost Equation

01 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s proposed expansion of right to repair laws to agricultural machinery is shaping as a timely development for farmers managing high input costs, narrow seasonal windows and the growing complexity of modern equipment. The Federal Government opened consultation on 22 May 2026, with feedback due by 3 July 2026, on whether repair information access should be broadened for machinery used across farming operations. - read more

Could Melbourne’s Softer Market Help First Home Buyers?

01 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Melbourne may be moving into a rare window for first home buyers, with Domain’s latest forecast suggesting the city’s median house price could fall below $1 million within the next year. The report points to a possible decline of between 4 and 8 per cent, which would make Melbourne the weakest major capital in the forecast period and mark a notable shift from the rapid price growth seen in many other parts of Australia. - read more

What the New Insurance Code Could Mean for Riders

30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s general insurance sector is moving towards a significant consumer-protection update, with the Insurance Council of Australia expecting a two-year transition for its redrafted General Insurance Code of Practice. The draft code, released for public feedback in late June 2026, is designed to become enforceable through insurance contracts once it clears the required approval steps. - read more

What the RBA’s New Policy Toolkit Means for Borrowers

30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia has released a new framework explaining how it would approach additional monetary policy tools if the cash rate were again pushed close to zero and the economy still needed support. While that may sound distant from today’s lending market, the document matters for borrowers because it clarifies how the central bank thinks about future credit conditions, lender funding costs and the transmission of lower rates through the economy. - read more

Grand G980 Arrival Highlights Premium RIB Demand

30 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Grand Boats Australia’s Southern Hemisphere debut of the Grand G980 adds another notable option to the premium recreational boating market. The 10-metre rigid inflatable boat is positioned as a flagship adventure RIB, combining high-performance offshore capability with the kind of comfort features usually associated with larger cruisers. For Australian buyers, it is another sign that the local market remains interested in versatile boats that can handle family days, coastal exploring and overnight escapes. - read more

Click for more Finance News