Cash use rises slightly, new Reserve Bank report shows

Date | 21.04.2026

A newly released report from the Reserve Bank of Australia shows cash continues to play an important role in how Australians pay. The latest Consumer Payments Survey (April 2026) indicates cash use has increased slightly, following a long-term decline, and remains part of everyday payments for many Australians. The findings also highlight that some Australians rely on cash and would find it difficult to manage without it.

Key findings from the report include:

  • Cash use has increased, rising from 13% of transactions in 2022 to around 15% in recent data
  • Around half of Australians report using cash weekly
  • More than one in three Australians say they would find it difficult without cash

The report points to Australians using a mix of payment methods, choosing what works best in the moment, with cash continuing to support everyday purchases, budgeting, and simple, reliable transactions. At atmx, the focus is on helping ensure Australians can access cash when and where they need it. Through Australia’s largest fee-free ATM network, atmx supports access across metropolitan, regional and community locations.

Source
Reserve Bank of Australia, Cash Use in Australia: What the 2025 Consumer Payments Survey Tells Us (April 2026)

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