Online spending in Australia hit a record $69 billion in 2024, with 9.8 million households driving a 12% increase year-on-year.
Despite rising costs and financial pressure, shoppers kept turning to digital channels, where everyday essentials, clothing, and broad-range marketplaces led the way.
That growth wasn’t just happening in the cities. More regional households are now part of the online economy, with better internet and mobile access making it easier to shop from almost anywhere.
What once required a trip into town can now be handled from home, and for many, that shift has quickly become part of everyday life. The same habits that make online shopping easier are now showing up in how Aussies relax, with more people exploring online games and iGames alike, not just for entertainment, but for the chance to play smarter.
Platforms that offer tools to maximise winnings — whether through better odds, bonuses, or more control over gameplay — are drawing attention from players who want more than just luck on their side.
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That same preference for control is reflected in how Australians are handling payments. In 2024, digital methods made up 53 per cent of all online transactions, overtaking cards and cash for the first time.
Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are now built into daily habits, while services such as Afterpay and PayPal Pay in 4 offer more flexibility, letting people break up costs without relying on credit.
Real-time payment systems like PayTo are streamlining how money moves, offering immediate transfers and clearer oversight compared to older bank processing methods. As they become more embedded in everyday use, these systems are evolving in step with generational shifts in how people budget, spend, and engage with financial services.
Millennials led the way with nearly $25 billion in online spending, followed by Generation X at $19 billion and Gen Z at $12 billion.
Gen Z tends to move across platforms quickly, choosing services that feel fast, easy, and responsive. They're also smarter buyers, less loyal to individual brands, and more focused on what works best in the moment — whether that’s a better deal, smoother checkout, or quicker delivery.
Older Australians are not far behind. Baby Boomers and the Builders generation have steadily increased their online activity, particularly for travel, pharmacy items, hardware, and groceries.
There has been a steady shift over the past few years as the whole process has become easier to trust and less of a hassle to use. Retailers have helped by making their sites clearer and the checkout process less confusing.
Most people in this group still stick to what they know — PayPal, Afterpay, and bank transfers — because those options feel straightforward and safe in a digital space that’s constantly changing.
As more Australians shop online across every age group, expectations around convenience and control have gone up. People want a modern payment system that suits how they manage money, whether that’s splitting costs, using rewards, or keeping it all mobile.
They expect clear return policies, human support when needed, and platforms that remember their preferences. Businesses that can offer that kind of seamless, low-fuss experience are the ones customers are choosing to stick with.
