The six week trial is on the Settlement Point ferry but, if successful, could be rolled out.

Residents and visitors will now be able to pay the $5 one-way fee by tapping their cards for six weeks as part of the electronic funds transfer at point of sale trial starting from Friday, April 26.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council agreed to the trial after intense, long-term lobbying by the Northside Progress Association, in consultation with the ferry contractor.

Local ferry users said it was a good move for the service with a declining number of people carrying coins.

Jennalee Kelly, who takes the ferry daily said it was a win for drivers unaware of the ferry charge.

"It will make things a lot easier, it is a pain making sure you have cash with you for the ferry," she said.

"You do see people pull up and have to double back because they assume the service is free, there's no where to get cash nearby."

The new facilities allow customers to pay via card with a square contactless card reader, as they travel by ferry from Port Macquarie to the North Shore.

Port Macquarie resident John Joyce said he uses the ferry every three weeks and thought it was great use of current available technology.

"I think it's great, if you've got the technology to make it a bit quicker you should... seeing as we'll never get a bridge," he said.

"Usually to bring coins you've got to actually think about it and no one carries cash these days."

Cash payment will still available during the trial.

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