'Use it or lose it': Why Aussies are being urged to get cash out next week

Tuesday, 21 April 2026 11:42

"The ability to use cash remains highly valued by many Australians."

Aussies are being urged to support cash use by withdrawing money from their nearest ATM next Tuesday, as data shows cash use is rising across Australia.

Recent data released by the Reserve Bank of Australia showed that after years of decline, the rate of cash use had stabilised across the country in 2025, with around 15 per cent of all payments using cash, and half of all Aussies still using cash at least once a week.

Their study showed that older Australians and lower-income households were more likely to use cash, but that most Aussies keep a little bit of cash on hand - around $65 on average - for emergencies.

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GEN23, Generic, cash payments, shopping, cost of living, wages, withdrawal, atm, armaguard, groceries, in Sydney on April 1, 2024.

"The ability to use cash remains highly valued by many Australians," the RBA study said.

While cash may no longer be king, millions of Aussies still rely on it, and in January, the federal government passed a mandate that required businesses to accept cash for essential transactions.

To further boost support for cash, next Tuesday, April 28th, Aussies are urged to withdraw money from their nearest ATM on Cash Out Day.

This is designed to show cash still enjoys support from the community, but also highlights bank closures in parts of the country, especially in regional areas.

National Seniors Association CEO Chris Grice claimed Cash Out Day would show how important the ability to easily access cash was for older Australians and regional communities.

The RBA survey showed cash has the highest share of payments among people aged over 65, on lower incomes, and in regional areas," he said.

"Our mantra… has been to 'use it or lose it'.

"Cash users across the country should feel validated by the news that proves cash still has a solid place in the economy."

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