The Cashless Shift. Why More NZ Businesses Are Saying Goodbye to Cash.
Once upon a time, the sound of coins hitting the till was music to every business owner’s ears. Fast forward to today, and cash is starting to feel like a relic of the past.
If you run a business in New Zealand, you’ve probably noticed: more customers are tapping than ever before. Some don’t even carry cash at all. So, what’s behind this cashless shift, and what does it mean for businesses like yours? Let’s dive in…
Kiwis Are Tapping More Than Ever
In the last few years, cashless payments have skyrocketed. According to Payments NZ, more than 70% of in-person transactions in NZ are now made via contactless cards or mobile wallets.
Why? Because let’s be real – tapping is just easier. No fumbling for coins, no awkward “sorry, I don’t have cash” moments. It’s quick, convenient, and secure.
70% of in-person payments in NZ are cashless
Mobile wallet usage (Apple Pay, Google Pay) has doubled since 2020
More businesses are going completely cash-free – especially in hospitality and retail
So, if your business still has a “Cash Only” sign… you might be missing out. 👀
But Wait, Is Cash Really Dead?
Not completely. There are still situations where cash lingers, like local markets, donation boxes, and some older customers who prefer cash. But here’s the thing: even banks are shifting away.
💡 Did you know? Some NZ bank branches are going cashless, meaning you can’t even deposit or withdraw in person. ATMs are disappearing in some areas too. That’s a sign of where we’re headed.
The Businesses Making the Switch (And Why It Works)
Across New Zealand, small businesses, cafés, and retail stores are leaning into cash-free transactions. Here’s why they love it:
✔ Faster transactions = shorter queues, happier customers
✔ No more trips to the bank (because who has time for that?)
✔ Less risk of theft – no cash in the till means less stress
✔ Smoother bookkeeping – no need to count coins at the end of the day
Take Wellington’s Fix & Fogg peanut butter shop – they went cashless early on and never looked back. It just made sense, they said. More efficiency, fewer headaches.
What This Means for Your Business
So, should you ditch cash altogether? Not necessarily – but you should be ready for a world where digital payments dominate.
🔹 Offer multiple ways to pay (cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
🔹 Educate your customers if you plan to go cashless
🔹 Make sure your payment setup is fast, reliable & secure
At the end of the day, the goal is seamless payments. Whether you accept cash or not, making transactions easy for customers keeps them coming back. And that’s what really matters.
Ready or Not, Cashless is Here
Aotearoa is heading toward a tap-first future, and businesses that adapt will stay ahead. Whether you love it, hate it, or still carry emergency coins in your car (just in case), one thing’s for sure – contactless isn’t slowing down.
💬 What do you think? Are you already cashless, or do you still accept cash?
Skyzer – keeping payments simple, however you choose to pay.
