Payment Methods at Laundromats

Why Australia’s Laundromats Are Ditching Coins—and What It Means for You

Once a reliable clang of coins defined the laundromat experience. But today? Silence—except for the hum of machines and the tap of a smartphone. Australia's laundromats are rapidly embracing cashless payment systems, and it’s not just about convenience. It’s a signal of where consumer expectations are heading: fast, digital, and frictionless.

Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how you can make the most of it—whether you’re a business owner or someone just trying to wash a week’s worth of footy gear.

Are laundromats still accepting coins in Australia?

Short answer? Some do. But increasingly, the answer is no.

In major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, many new or upgraded laundromats now prioritise contactless payments—tap-and-go, mobile apps, or even QR-based options. In fact, the number of truly “coin-only” laundromats is shrinking faster than your favourite wool jumper on a hot cycle.

What’s behind the shift?

• Decline in cash usage: According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, cash payments fell from 62% in 2010 to just 13% in 2022.

• Consumer preference: People expect to pay the same way everywhere—from a servo pie to a laundry cycle.

• Operational ease: No need for coin collection, repairs from jammed slots, or risk of theft.

For business owners, cashless isn't a tech flex—it's a practical move aligned with how Aussies now shop, pay, and live.

What payment methods are common in modern laundromats?

If you haven’t visited a laundromat recently, you might be surprised. The humble coin box has been replaced—or at least joined—by:

• Tap-and-go terminals (EFTPOS): Just tap your card or phone, and you're in.

• QR code payments: Scan a code, choose a machine, pay via your mobile browser or app.

• Loyalty app systems: Preload credit, unlock promotions, and track wash history.

• Digital wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are commonly accepted.

Some systems even offer machine availability tracking or cycle alerts, so you can grab a coffee while your spin cycle runs.

And yes, some hybrid locations still offer coin slots. But in newer laundromats, digital-first is the default—not the backup.

Why are cashless laundromats booming?

It's more than just tech for tech’s sake. Behavioural science offers a clear explanation: humans are wired for ease, speed, and reward—and cashless delivers all three.

• Frictionless transactions reduce abandonment. No more scrambling for coins = no excuse to skip laundry day.

• Perceived pain of paying is lower. Tapping doesn’t feel like “spending” the same way as handing over physical money.

• Loyalty incentives baked into apps (e.g., every 10th wash free) tap into commitment and consistency—a classic persuasion principle by Robert Cialdini.

• Social proof: When you see others casually tapping their phones, it nudges you to try it too.

For laundromat owners, it also reduces human error, theft risk, and admin time—all while giving valuable usage data.

What if you prefer to use cash?

That’s fair. Some users, especially older Australians or those in lower-tech regions, may still prefer coins. A few laundromats cater to both, but this dual setup is becoming rarer.

If you rely on cash:

• Look for signage or website info before heading out.

• Call ahead if you're unsure—especially in regional towns.

• Carry a backup payment method if possible.

In high-traffic urban areas, assume cashless is king unless explicitly stated otherwise.

What should laundromat owners know about this shift?

If you're running a laundromat—or planning to—going cashless isn’t just trendy. It's strategic.

• Future-proof your business: Customers expect modern payment systems. Falling behind can lose you regulars.

• Streamline operations: Less time emptying coin trays, more time focusing on customer experience.

• Data is gold: Digital payments offer insights into peak times, most-used machines, and repeat customers.

And here's the kicker: laundromats embracing smart, cashless laundromat payment systems are more likely to receive positive reviews and return visits. That’s not just anecdotal—it’s reflected in Google Maps data, where clean, tech-friendly venues consistently outrank dated ones.

Is the cashless model better for security?

Absolutely. Cash-based systems are vulnerable to:

• Break-ins targeting coin vaults

• Theft by staff or customers

• Malfunctions and jams requiring costly repairs

Cashless setups remove that target altogether. Plus, they can be remotely monitored and updated—an operational dream for owners with multiple locations.

Are there any downsides to cashless laundromats?

Yes, a few worth noting:

• Excludes some demographics: Those without smartphones or digital payment methods may struggle.

• Tech hiccups: As with any system, downtime or app bugs can frustrate users.

• Dependence on internet connectivity: A drop in Wi-Fi or 4G can delay payments.

But these issues are largely manageable and, in most cases, outweighed by the long-term benefits.

How does Australia compare globally?

Australia’s adoption of contactless and mobile payments is among the highest in the world. According to the FIS Global Payments Report, more than 90% of in-person transactions in Australia are now contactless—a figure significantly higher than in the US or parts of Europe.

So, in many ways, the laundromat sector is just catching up with consumer reality.

FAQ: Quick answers about laundromat payments

Do I need to download an app to use a cashless laundromat?Not always. Many systems allow QR scanning that redirects to a mobile-friendly browser checkout. But apps often offer loyalty benefits.

Are cashless laundromats more expensive?Not typically. Prices are usually set per cycle and aren’t affected by how you pay.

What if I don't have a credit card or digital wallet?You're likely limited to coin-only venues—though these are becoming rarer. Consider prepaid cards or digital bank options.

Final spin: it’s more than just convenience

The rise of cashless payment in laundromats isn’t about removing coins—it’s about removing friction. For users, it means quicker, cleaner, more reliable service. For owners, it means leaner operations and smarter customer insights.

And for anyone considering the shift or simply curious, this guide should help demystify the change. Want to see a real-world example of seamless cashless laundromat payment? Some of Australia’s leading locations are already spinning toward the future.