Why Your Customers Still Carry Cash
The short version
- About three-quarters of Australians carry cash, and the median amount is about $65.
- The main reasons are budgeting, cash-only shops, paying family and friends, and security and privacy.
- In 2025, about 20% said they used cash to avoid card surcharges.
- Since 1 October 2026 card surcharges are banned, so more businesses are rewarding cash instead.
Most people still carry cash
The Reserve Bank’s 2025 Consumer Payments Survey found about three-quarters of Australians carry cash in their wallet. The median amount is about $65, almost three times the median in-person purchase of about $23. About two in five also keep cash somewhere other than their wallet, usually for emergencies.
Australians carry cash in their wallet
Median amount carried, against a $23 median purchase
Keep extra cash outside their wallet, usually for emergencies
Why they use it
- Budgeting. Cash makes it easy to see what you’ve spent.
- Cash-only businesses that don’t take cards.
- Paying family and friends.
- Security and privacy. For people who use cash for most purchases, this was the top reason.
- Avoiding card surcharges. About 20% of people said this was a reason.
Why this matters more now
The survey was taken in 2025, while businesses could still add a card surcharge. Since 1 October 2026, card surcharges are banned, so the cost of taking cards sits with the business. That’s why more venues are now offering a discount for cash. Read more in Card surcharge ban: why cash discounts are back.
Make cash easy at your venue
Customers who carry cash want to spend it, and customers who’ve run out want to top up. An ATM on site handles both.
How an ATM on site helps
- Customers get cash where they spend it, so it stays in your till instead of going down the road.
- Contactless and tap-ready. Customers tap a card or phone, then enter their PIN, on a large touchscreen.
- Your brand on the screen, with on-screen advertising for your own promotions.
- Managed for you: installation, cash logistics, fault alerts, reconciliation and national field service, all visible in the Dash web portal.
- Deposit your takings on site with a deposit-taking ATM for qualifying businesses. Subject to approval.
See the options to buy an ATM, or the deposit ATM for high-cash venues.
FAQ
How much cash do Australians carry?
The RBA’s 2025 survey found a median of about $65, against a median in-person purchase of about $23.
Why do people still use cash?
The main reasons are budgeting, cash-only businesses, paying family and friends, and security and privacy. About 20% also used cash to avoid card surcharges.
How do I get an ATM for my venue?
You can buy or lease an ATM, take a managed partnership, or set up a community ATM. Call 1300 125 592 or use the Get started form.
Dash ATM has built and managed ATM networks across Australia since 2012, led by founder Paul Wrigley, in the ATM industry since 2002. Keep cash local.
Sources: RBA Bulletin, April 2026: Cash Use in Australia · RBA Bulletin, May 2026: Consumer Payment Behaviour