Loose Change Is Ageing: What the Generational Shift in Cash Means for Aussie Charities

Remember when dropping your spare coins into a Guide Dogs tin outside Woolies just felt like second nature? Fast forward to today, and that simple act is rapidly vanishing. Why? Our latest research shows Australia's payment habits are shifting, and it’s the younger generations leading the cashless charge. If your charity is still relying on loose change, you may be feeling the impact. Our research shows what’s really happening at the checkout, what’s at risk, and how donation habits are changing in a world where coins are becoming rare.

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TL;DR

• Coins and notes are fading fast, especially among Gen Z and Millennials

• Most Aussies now pay by card or phone

• Charities relying on cash donations are seeing new challenges

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How Australians Shop and Pay in 2025

There’s no denying that payment behaviour is evolving, with the pandemic only speeding things up. Shoppers have more choices than ever—and increasingly, cash isn’t one of them.

Our recent survey found:

• Only 25% of shoppers had coins with them on their last trip to the shops

• 44% had cash notes

• A whopping 75% carried a credit or debit card

• 27% had their phone ready to tap and pay

Cards are now the default for most Australians, and mobile wallets are rising quickly, especially with younger shoppers. While coins and notes aren’t completely gone, they’re shrinking as a habit—and this is especially sharp when you look at age.

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The Generational Shift: Who Still Carries Cash?

Cash-carrying isn’t just declining overall—it’s a clear generational trend.

• Silent Generation (born before 1946): 44% had coins, and 64% carried notes. Their shopping trips still include the familiar comfort of cash.

• Boomers: About a third still have coins, and over half take notes—but mobile payments are almost unheard of.

• Gen X: The change is in progress. Only 26% had coins, and just under 44% carried notes. Cards dominate, but a quarter use their phone.

• Millennials & Gen Z: Only 17–20% had coins. Notes are fading, too. Instead, these generations rely on cards, and one in three uses their phone to pay.

The takeaway? For younger Aussies, using coins or notes at the checkout is starting to feel as retro as a rotary dial phone.

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Charities on the Frontline: The Fate of the Donation Tin

For decades, charities—like Guide Dogs, Salvos, and countless local causes—have relied on the “loose change moment.” A quick dig through the wallet, some clinking coins into a tin, a warm fuzzy feeling as you head on your way.

But with so few shoppers now carrying coins or notes, charities are watching their classic donation streams dry up. For many, particularly smaller organisations or those with strong community street-presence, these micro-donations add up to a significant chunk of annual fundraising.

That’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a challenge to sustainability—and to the very tradition of community giving. As these habits evolve, the methods charities use to engage donors are evolving in parallel—each shaped by the way different generations prefer to pay

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Rethinking Fundraising in a Cashless Age

What’s at risk as coins and notes decline? Some organisations are reporting missed donations and challenges with fundraising, particularly with younger supporters.

Recent trends show more charities trialing tap-and-go terminals, QR codes, and mobile wallet integrations in response to these changes.

Emerging solutions:

• Portable tap-and-go terminals at donation points

• QR codes that direct passers-by to fast mobile payment portals

• Integration with Apple Pay/Google Pay or mobile wallet giving

• “Round-up” prompts at retail checkouts for automatic small donations

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Conclusion

As coins and notes start to vanish from wallets—and from daily life—the organisations that lean into new giving channels will thrive. The tradition of supporting causes as you shop doesn’t have to disappear; it just needs to evolve. By making it easy for all generations to give, whether by tap, card or phone, charities can keep the spirit (and funds) of Aussie generosity alive for years to come.

At Antenna Insights, we’re passionate about helping organisations understand how real-world shifts in consumer behaviour can impact their future. If you’re interested in research that uncovers emerging trends or deeper audience insights to inform your next step, we’re always here to chat.