Coins vs Cashless: The Future of Paying at Laundromats

Why do so many Aussies still dig around for loose change just to wash a load of laundry? In a world of Apple Pay, tap-and-go, and buy-now-pay-later, the humble laundromat feels stuck in the past. But that’s changing—fast.

Here’s what you need to know about the growing shift from coin-fed washers to sleek, cashless laundromat payment systems—and why the future of laundry might be as simple as tapping your phone.

Is cash still king at laundromats in Australia?

Let’s be honest—coins are clunky. If you’ve ever had to break a $20 just to find enough $1 coins for the dryer, you know the pain. And you're not alone.

Despite Australia’s rapid adoption of digital wallets, tap-to-pay, and cardless banking, thousands of laundromats nationwide still rely on traditional coin-operated machines. That’s largely due to legacy infrastructure, perceived setup costs, and a general “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset from some owners.

But here’s the kicker: what is broke is the user experience.

More Australians than ever are going cashless. The Reserve Bank reports that only 13% of consumer payments were made in cash in 2022—down from 70% just a decade ago. We’ve gone digital, but laundromats haven’t kept pace.

Why are cashless laundromat systems gaining ground?

The shift isn’t just about convenience (although that’s a big part of it). There are strong behavioural, psychological, and business reasons laundromats are moving away from coins:

• Ease of use: No more hunting for coins or waiting in line at change machines. Tap, pay, done.

• Reduced vandalism: Coin boxes are frequent targets for theft. No coins = no break-ins.

• Faster turnover: Customers don’t get stuck trying to make change, which speeds up machine usage.

• Cleaner operations: Fewer moving parts and less maintenance without bulky coin mechanisms.

• Smarter data: Digital systems track usage, peak times, and revenue in real-time, giving owners actual insight—not guesswork.

Adam Ferrier would call this a classic example of choice architecture. Make the desirable behaviour (cashless payments) easier, and people will naturally shift. It’s not just tech—it’s psychology.

What do customers really want from their laundromat experience?

Let’s face it—no one loves doing laundry. But smart operators know there’s a way to make the process less painful, if not enjoyable.

Modern customers expect:

• Speed and convenience

• Payment options that match their lifestyle

• Safe, clean, and welcoming environments

• Transparent pricing

A recent BehaviourWorks study from Monash Uni found that even micro-frictions—like needing to download a separate app or walk to an ATM—can push customers to choose a different venue. Every added step is a potential lost sale.

By contrast, contactless tap-and-go terminals reduce friction and make the entire experience feel faster and more intuitive.

Are laundromat owners ready for the cashless leap?

Some are leading the charge. Take Sydney’s inner west: multiple family-run laundromats have upgraded to smart cashless systems, resulting in up to 20% revenue increases in the first six months. Customers returned more frequently, and staff spent less time dealing with change issues or machine jams.

But others hesitate. The perceived cost of upgrading can feel daunting—especially for single-site owners.

Here’s the twist: many cashless solutions now offer low-barrier entry, subscription models, and full-service installs. In some cases, laundromats can go digital without upfront equipment costs.

One Melbourne operator said, “It paid for itself in less than a year. What surprised me most was how much easier it made staffing—I barely need someone on-site anymore.”

That’s consistency in action: once a business sees the benefits of modernisation, they’re more likely to stay on that path long-term.

Will coins ever completely disappear?

Probably not immediately.

There’s still a segment of the population—especially older Aussies and those in remote areas—who rely on cash. Smart laundromats often take a hybrid approach for now: keeping coin options alongside digital payments.

But the direction is obvious. Australia’s moving towards a cashless society, and the businesses that adapt early will be the ones that thrive.

What does this mean for the average Aussie?

For the everyday person popping into a local laundromat, it means:

• No more searching for loose change under the car seat

• Faster in-and-out laundry runs

• Better chance of finding a machine that actually works

And for the growing number of people who use phone wallets, wearable devices, or online loyalty systems, a cashless laundromat is simply more aligned with how we live now.

Anyone who's ever found themselves stranded at a laundromat with a $50 note and no change machine can appreciate the shift. It’s not just about technology—it’s about removing unnecessary hassles.

FAQ

Do cashless laundromats still accept coins?Some do—especially those in transitional phases. Many offer hybrid systems to cater to all preferences.

Is it safe to use card or phone payments at laundromats?Yes. Most use encrypted, PCI-compliant systems with the same security standards as major retailers.

Will I need to download an app?Depends on the provider. Many now offer app-less systems where you just tap and go—no sign-ups, no downloads.

The cashless trend isn’t about jumping on a tech bandwagon. It’s about making laundry less of a hassle—and more aligned with the way Australians already live, shop, and pay.

And for laundromat owners? It’s a chance to future-proof the business, win back time, and meet customers where they already are: cash-free, contactless, and convenience-first.

As more people demand frictionless experiences, laundromats will need to move beyond coins—or risk being left behind. Some have already made the leap, investing in modern cashless laundromat payment systems that offer both customer ease and business efficiency. The rest? It might be time to clean up their act.