Cashless Laundromats: Common Questions and Customer Concerns Answered

Why are people still asking whether cashless laundromats are safe, simple, or even a “real thing”? It’s 2025, and we tap to pay for everything from fuel to footy tickets. So why not for your weekend wash?

The truth is: going cashless in a laundromat isn’t just a tech trend. It’s a smart, customer-led shift driven by convenience, hygiene, and behavioural insights. But that doesn’t mean customers don’t have questions—and concerns.

Let’s tackle the most common ones, and unpack the truths behind modern cashless laundromat payment systems.

Do People Really Want a Cashless Laundromat?

Short answer: yes—if it works.

Research shows Australians are using physical cash less than ever. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, only 13% of transactions in 2023 were made in cash. And the pandemic only accelerated our “tap and go” habits.

But customers aren’t just looking for “cashless.” They want:

• Fast transactions (without queues or fiddling with notes)

• Secure payments (no dodgy coin slots or broken machines)

• Clear instructions (nobody likes confusion when all you want is clean socks)

When a cashless laundromat nails this trio, the perception shifts from “too high-tech” to “how it should be.”

Is It Safe to Use My Card or Phone at a Laundromat?

Absolutely—and here’s why.

Modern laundromat payment systems use the same secure payment infrastructure as major retailers. Think PCI-DSS compliance, end-to-end encryption, and tokenised payments. Whether you're tapping your phone, smartwatch or card, your data isn’t being stored or exposed.

More importantly, these systems often eliminate the dodgiest part of older laundromats: handling cash. No more broken changers, no more sketchy corners with coin machines, no more stress about carrying cash.

For added peace of mind:

• Choose laundromats with branded, clearly maintained kiosks.

• Look for digital receipts or app notifications.

• Use Apple Pay or Google Pay if you're hesitant to swipe physical cards.

What If I Don’t Have a Smartphone or Bank Card?

This comes up more often than you’d expect.

While most Aussies have moved to smartphones, some older customers or international visitors may not have compatible devices or digital wallets. The best laundromats plan for this.

Some offer:

• Prepaid laundry cards (purchased on-site or online)

• Tap-and-go kiosks with clear, multilingual prompts

• Support numbers or staff access for help

Behavioural science tells us: when people feel excluded by design, they walk away. Good operators design their systems to include as many people as possible—without reverting to outdated tech.

How Do I Know How Much I’m Being Charged?

Cashless shouldn’t mean clueless.

Great laundromats show the price upfront on screen, sometimes even letting you select different cycles (eco wash, heavy load, etc.) with transparent pricing. Some use companion apps that track your usage history and offer loyalty discounts.

Pro tip: laundromats using modern systems often have better machine tracking. That means fewer “someone left their soggy doona in there” situations.

Here’s a behavioural insight: we trust what we can see. Transparent pricing, digital receipts, and clean UI design all increase user trust—and repeat usage.

Can I Still Get Help If Something Goes Wrong?

Yes—and often faster than in old-school setups.

Cash-based laundromats usually meant calling a number on a laminated sign (and hoping someone eventually responded). Cashless systems often link to real-time support via apps, SMS or QR codes.

Some even refund automatically if a machine fails mid-cycle.

It’s a classic case of reciprocity—when a business makes it easier to get help, customers repay that effort with loyalty.

What About Older Customers—Will They Be Left Behind?

Here’s the reality: older customers aren’t technophobes. They just need intuitive, easy-to-use systems.

Designing for all ages means:

• Clear button labels (no jargon like “authenticate token”)

• Simple step-by-step flows

• Backup help like printed guides or onsite QR instructions

Cashless doesn’t have to mean confusing. In fact, a well-thought-out system is often easier for older users than fiddling with jammed coins.

And don’t underestimate the power of social proof—once people see others using a system successfully, they're more likely to try it themselves.

Are There Any Hidden Fees With Cashless Payments?

Good question—and a valid concern.

While some providers may charge transaction or convenience fees, many laundromats build those into their pricing to avoid surprise costs. That’s where framing matters: if you show a wash as “$5” but charge $5.25 at checkout, customers feel misled.

The smarter operators price clearly, even if slightly higher, and customers reward that honesty.

Want a deeper dive on this? The Consumer Action Law Centre often publishes helpful breakdowns of fees in everyday services.

FAQ

Can I get a receipt for my wash?Yes—most systems offer digital receipts via app or email.

Do I need to download an app?Not always. Many laundromats now offer tap-and-go kiosks without requiring an app, though apps may offer loyalty features.

Can I still use coins if I want to?Some hybrid laundromats still support coin payment, but truly cashless setups don’t. They instead offer digital or prepaid options.

Final thoughts

Anyone who’s fumbled for coins in a dimly-lit laundromat knows there’s a better way. Cashless payment systems, when designed with clarity and inclusion in mind, make the chore of laundry faster, safer, and less frustrating.

And while there’s always a learning curve, the benefits—speed, hygiene, ease—are winning customers over, wash by wash.

More laundromat operators are investing in cashless laundromat payment systems that match how Aussies live today. And frankly, it’s about time.