From Coins to Contactless Technology
For decades, laundromats were almost synonymous with coin-operated machines. Customers arrived with bags of laundry and pockets filled with change. Today, that image is rapidly changing. Across Australia and worldwide, laundromats now support a wide spectrum of payment methods, from debit and credit cards to contactless Tap & Go, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even PayPal.
This article explores the evolution of laundromat payment systems, compares traditional and modern methods, and highlights what customers and business owners can expect in the years ahead.
Coin machines dominated laundromats for most of the 20th century. They were simple, reliable, and required no banking integration. Customers carried coins, inserted them into machines, and waited for their wash to finish.
But this model had several flaws:
By the 2000s, card readers started appearing in laundromats. Banks and payment providers recognised the need for digital solutions. Over the past decade, mobile wallets and apps have taken the lead, offering faster, safer, and more flexible payments.
Many laundromats in suburban and regional Australia still operate on coins. Machines are typically priced at $4–$6 per wash, requiring multiple $1 or $2 coins.
To support coin payments, laundromats often include change machines. However, these machines themselves require maintenance and carry additional risks of theft or malfunction.
Debit cards directly access customers' bank accounts. At laundromats equipped with card readers, customers tap or insert their card, select a cycle, and begin the wash.
Credit cards offer the same convenience with added flexibility for customers who prefer consolidated monthly billing. For international travelers and students, credit cards are often the easiest way to pay.
Australians are among the highest adopters of contactless payments globally. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, over 75% of all in-person card transactions are now contactless. Laundromats have benefited greatly from this shift.
Tap and start within seconds.
Encrypted data and fraud protection.
Reduced physical contact with machines.
Smartphones are increasingly replacing wallets. Laundromats integrated with mobile payment systems allow customers to pay with a quick scan or tap of their phone.
Some forward-thinking laundromats now allow PayPal integration. Customers can link their PayPal account within a laundromat's mobile app or kiosk.
In cities with high populations of international students and travelers, some laundromats also accept AllPay and WeChat Pay, enhancing accessibility.
Customers purchase a reloadable laundry card (similar to a transport card or gift card). Credit is loaded via kiosk or online, and the card is tapped to activate machines.
Yes. Most modern laundromats in Australia support Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, ensuring international visitors can wash without difficulty.
Australia welcomes millions of tourists and international students annually. Accepting international payment methods positions laundromats as inclusive and globally accessible.
| Payment Method | Customer Convenience | Security Level | Owner Efficiency | Popularity in Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coins | Low | Low | Very Low | Declining |
| Debit/Credit Cards | High | High | High | Growing |
| Tap & Go | Very High | Very High | High | Mainstream |
| Mobile Wallets | Very High | Very High | High | Rapidly Increasing |
| PayPal/Digital Wallets | Medium | High | Medium | Niche but growing |
| Laundry Cards | Medium | High | Very High | Used in loyalty systems |
Different customers have different needs:
Laundromats offering multiple payment methods provide better accessibility and capture a wider audience.
Some laundromats are testing subscription services, where customers pay a flat monthly fee for unlimited washes.
Fingerprint or facial recognition could eliminate the need for cards entirely.
Future laundromats may operate entirely through apps, allowing customers to:
The era of coins dominating laundromats is ending. Today's laundromats offer an extensive variety of payment methods to meet customer expectations. From debit and credit cards to Tap & Go, PayPal, and reloadable laundry cards, these options deliver convenience, security, and efficiency.
For customers, multiple payment choices mean more flexibility and easier laundry days. For owners, adopting diverse payment methods enhances profitability, reduces risk, and ensures the laundromat stays competitive in a digital world.