Some laundromats still run on coins. Others are starting to feel like contactless cafes. The real question for anyone juggling laundry with a mobile in hand: can you pay at a laundromat using PayPal or e-wallets? Here’s the short answer: some yes, many not yet—but the shift is definitely underway.

Let’s unpack why that is, what options are out there, and how digital wallets are changing the fabric of self-service laundry in Australia.

Do Laundromats Accept PayPal or Other E-Wallets?

Yes, but it depends on the technology they’ve adopted.

The adoption of PayPal and e-wallets like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay in laundromats varies depending on whether the business has upgraded to cashless systems. Many newer or refurbished laundromats now offer cashless laundromat payment options through contactless card readers or app integrations—but it’s not yet universal.

Why Aren’t All Laundromats Accepting E-Wallets Yet?

A few reasons stand out:

• Legacy machines: Many older washers and dryers aren’t built to integrate with digital payment terminals.

• Upgrade costs: Retrofitting machines with cashless readers isn’t cheap—some operators hesitate unless there’s a clear ROI.

• Digital divide: Regional areas or smaller family-run laundries may be slower to adopt e-wallet tech.

But here’s the behavioural twist: once a customer pays with their phone and skips the hassle of coins or card PINs, it’s hard to go back. That psychological ease of use (a key behavioural nudge) keeps them coming back—and smart owners know it.

Which Digital Payment Types Are Most Common in Aussie Laundromats?

Laundromats that accept e-wallets generally support:

• Apple Pay & Google Wallet – increasingly standard on NFC-enabled readers.

• PayPal – less common, but gaining traction via laundromat-specific apps.

• Tap-and-go debit/credit cards – the most widely available form of cashless payment.

• QR code payments – seen in select app-based systems or independent operators.

Not all e-wallets are created equal in the laundry world. PayPal, for instance, isn’t always accepted at tap terminals, but can be used through connected apps such as BubblePay or LaundryPay, depending on the laundromat.

Is There an App That Lets You Pay for Laundry With PayPal?

Yes – in some locations. A number of laundromats now partner with third-party platforms that facilitate PayPal or e-wallet payments via their own apps. Examples include:

• BubblePay – designed specifically for laundromats to accept digital wallet payments.

• PayRange – a US-based app with growing global adoption, including parts of Australia.

• LaundryPass – allows account-based top-ups and supports mobile payment options.

These apps often let you:

• Pre-load funds (via PayPal or card)

• Start washers and dryers remotely

• Get notified when your cycle finishes

• Earn loyalty points or free cycles

That blend of ease and reward leans heavily into behavioural triggers like the frictionless path and consistency bias. Once you’ve got your “usual” laundromat set up in an app, switching becomes less likely.

Are Digital Payments Safer Than Coins?

In a word: yes.

Digital payments reduce the need to carry cash, avoid skimming risks at coin-operated slots, and let users track their spending. For laundromat owners, there’s reduced theft risk and lower cash-handling costs.

Plus, many people simply feel more secure tapping a phone than feeding a machine $10 in coins. It’s perception—but perception shapes behaviour.

What If My Local Laundromat Still Uses Coins?

You’re not alone. A large chunk of independent laundries—especially in outer suburbs or rural towns—are still cash or coin-only. If that’s the case:

• Look for signage about upcoming upgrades.

• Ask the owner or staff if cashless is coming soon.

• Consider switching to one that offers app payments—chances are, there’s one nearby making the leap.

As a reference point, over 70% of Aussies now prefer contactless payments, and businesses that don’t adapt could lose long-term loyalty. That’s the real loss aversion at play—not just missed revenue, but the missed return visits.

What Does the Future Hold for E-Wallets in Laundromats?

We’re on the edge of full mainstream adoption. Here’s why:

• Generational change: Younger customers expect digital convenience.

• IoT expansion: More machines are coming “smart” ready.

• Payment platform wars: Providers like Apple, Google, and PayPal are competing to be the default tap for microtransactions.

Expect more laundromats to embrace full cashless laundromat payment models, particularly in competitive urban areas where customer experience is a differentiator.

As this industry report on contactless payments from the Reserve Bank of Australia shows, the shift isn’t just coming—it’s here.

FAQ

Do most laundromats accept PayPal?
Not yet, but growing numbers of modern laundromats accept PayPal through integrated apps.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Wallet at any laundromat?
Only if the laundromat has NFC-enabled terminals or uses an app-based payment system that supports these wallets.

What should I do if my laundromat doesn’t offer digital payments?
Chat with the owner—it’s often a matter of awareness. Or, scout out a nearby location that’s upgraded its machines.

Laundromats may not seem like tech hotspots, but in the battle between convenience and tradition, ease usually wins. And as Australians become more cash-averse, the laundries embracing cashless options will clean up—literally and financially.