Do laundromats accept PayPal or other e-wallets?

 Most laundromats are shifting beyond coins and card swipes, and yes—many now accept PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Wallet and other e-wallets. The short answer is that it depends on the individual laundromat, but cashless options are growing fast in Australia, the US, and Europe as operators respond to customer demand for speed and hygiene.

Do laundromats accept PayPal?

Some laundromats directly support PayPal through mobile apps that link your account to the washing machine. Instead of feeding coins, you scan a QR code or tap your phone and the payment goes through PayPal. This isn’t universal yet, but in areas with high student populations or younger renters, it’s increasingly offered because PayPal is already trusted for online purchases.

What about other e-wallets like Apple Pay and Google Wallet?

Yes, these are actually more common than PayPal in laundromats. Because many new washers and dryers come with NFC-enabled readers, they can accept Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Samsung Pay and even wearable devices. From the operator’s perspective, these transactions are faster to process and often cheaper than installing and maintaining coin dispensers.

Why are laundromats moving to cashless payments?

Several behavioural nudges are at play:

  • Ease and Defaults: Most people already have a mobile wallet set up, so tapping becomes the default choice.

  • Loss Aversion: Nobody wants to lose their last $2 coin in a jammed slot, making e-wallets feel safer.

  • Social Proof: Large chains like SpinCycle and WashClub have normalised app-based payments, encouraging smaller operators to follow.

Beyond psychology, the shift is about hygiene (no dirty coins), security (less theft), and efficiency (faster turnover on busy weekends).

Are there downsides?

Yes—older customers or those without smartphones may feel excluded. Some councils in Australia still encourage operators to keep at least one coin machine on site to avoid “cashless-only” discrimination. Connectivity is another issue: if Wi-Fi or mobile data drops, machines may not process e-wallet payments smoothly.

The future of laundromat payments

Industry experts expect mobile wallet adoption to accelerate, with PayPal likely staying as a digital option but Apple Pay and Google Wallet becoming the standard. Subscription-style laundry apps are also emerging, where customers pre-load credits and just scan each time.

FAQ

Do all laundromats take PayPal?
No, only some do. PayPal support depends on the payment system installed.

What’s the most widely accepted e-wallet in laundromats?
Apple Pay and Google Wallet, since they work seamlessly with contactless readers.

Can I still use coins?
Yes, in many places. But new laundromats are increasingly cashless, especially in metro areas.

In short, the rise of cashless laundromat payment systems means PayPal is possible but not as standard as mobile wallets. Operators are gradually nudging customers toward tap-and-go as the future. You can explore a broader breakdown of payment options in laundromats, from coins to contactless technology, in this cashless laundromat payment guide. For broader context on mobile wallet adoption trends, see this Statista report on digital payments.

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