RBA Bulletin – ‘Cash Use in Australia: What the 2025 Consumer Payments Survey Tells Us’

Why It Matters

Cash remains a critical safety net for vulnerable consumers and a backup during digital outages, making its availability a key consideration for financial‑service providers and policymakers.

Key Takeaways

• Half of Australians use cash weekly, 15% of payments cash.
• Older and low‑income households rely on cash more heavily.
• One‑third would face hardship without cash withdrawal access.
• 75% find cash access convenient, but ATMs becoming harder.
• Average wallet holds $65 cash for emergencies and budgeting.

Summary

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest bulletin analyses the 2025 Consumer Payments Survey, revealing how Australians continue to use cash and why the central bank is tracking the trend.

Cash usage has stabilised since 2022, with roughly half of adults paying with cash at least once a week and cash accounting for about 15 % of all transactions. Older consumers and lower‑income families use cash more frequently, and an estimated 1.5 million adults depend on it for everyday purchases.

One‑third of respondents say they would experience hardship or major inconvenience if they could not withdraw cash, even those who primarily use cards. Over three‑quarters keep cash on hand—about $65 on average—for emergencies, budgeting or privacy, while 75 % rate cash access as reasonably convenient, though many note declining availability at bank branches and ATMs.

The findings underscore cash’s role in an inclusive, resilient payment system, prompting the RBA to monitor usage and support government efforts to keep cash readily available for those who need it, especially during system disruptions or natural disasters.