Street performers rely more on apps like Venmo as cash fades

Street and subway performers are relying more on Venmo and other apps to collect tips as people carry less cash.

Natalia Paruz, who serenades straphangers with her musical saw, isn’t getting the tips she used to.

That was clear on a recent Thursday at the Herald Square station in midtown Manhattan, her gold-colored tip bucket only showing a couple dollar bills and some coins halfway through a three-hour performance during the afternoon rush.

“I have so many people who come to me and say to me, ‘I love your music, I want to give, but I’m sorry, I don’t carry cash,’” said Paruz, who calls herself the Saw Lady.

That’s led her to display QR codes for digital payment apps Venmo and PayPal for commuters to send her digital tips.

The decline in cash payments is changing business for street performers. With the cash in their tip jars or guitar cases dwindling, magicians and musicians are turning toward digital payments to make money from performing.