Cash Out Day 2026: Why Cash Still Matters in a Digital World

April 27, 2026

Cash Out Day is a reminder of something simple - cash still plays an important role in how Australians pay.

For years, the assumption has been that cash is in decline. But the latest data tells a different story - one that matters for businesses, communities, and the future of payments in Australia.

Cash Has Found Its Place

Recent insights from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), based on Australian payment behaviours in 2025, show:

Around 15% of transactions are still made in cash

~50% of Australians use cash in a typical week

Cash use has stabilised, rather than declined

Cash continues to be used where it makes sense: everyday purchases, low-value transactions, and in-person interactions.

It’s Not Just About Payments - It’s About Access

The report also found that 1 in 3 Australians would struggle without access to cash - and that changes the conversation.

Cash isn’t just a preference. It plays a critical role in inclusion across the payments system.

It supports:

People who rely on it for budgeting or financial control

Regional and remote communities

Individuals less able to use digital payment methods

Transactions where digital isn’t always practical

And importantly, it acts as a fallback - keeping transactions moving when electronic systems aren’t working.

The Role that Independent ATM Providers Play

While demand for cash remains consistent, the way Australians access it is changing.

As the number of bank branches and bank-owned ATMs continue to decline, accessing cash is no longer as simple or convenient as it once was. Where people could once rely on easily finding a bank branch or ATM in shopping strips, centres or convenience stores, those access points are becoming less common.

This highlights a clear shift in the system. Cash is still needed - but the infrastructure supporting it looks different today.

This is where independent ATM providers, like Next Payments, play an increasingly important role. By maintaining and expanding accessible cash out solutions, they help ensure cash remains available where it’s needed most - supporting businesses, communities, and everyday transactions.

What This Means for Businesses

For businesses across industries, from hospitality and retail, to construction, entertainment, beauty and beyond - these shifts matter.

Cash continues to play an important role in:

Serving all customers, regardless of payment preference

Supporting low-value and high-frequency transactions

Providing a reliable fallback when digital systems are unavailable

As payment behaviours evolve, the businesses that succeed will be those that support a full range of payment options.

Supporting Both Cash and Digital

At Next Payments, we see this balance every day.

The future of payments isn’t about choosing between cash and digital - it’s about making sure both work together seamlessly.

Cash remains essential, and we continue to support its role by:

Maintaining and expanding ATM networks

Supporting venues and businesses that rely on cash

Advocating for cash as a critical part of the payment ecosystem

At the same time, we recognise that how most people pay has changed.

Digital, contactless and integrated solutions are becoming standard - which is why we focus on supporting the full payments ecosystem, helping businesses:

Simplify and modernise payment experiences

Integrate both cash and digital solutions

Stay prepared for future trends

Because even though payment methods have changed, the need for choice and cash accessibility shouldn’t change.

A Final Thought for Cash Out Day

Cash Out Day isn’t just about withdrawing cash. It’s a reminder that as payments evolve, we must ensure the system works for everyone - including keeping cash accessible and widely accepted.

Resources and useful articles:

RBA, April 20^th, 2026 - https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2026/apr/cash-use-in-australia-what-the-2025-consumer-payments-survey-tells-us.html

7 News, April 19^th, 2026 - https://7news.com.au/news/cash-out-day-2026-campaigners-for-notes-and-coins-plan-to-withdraw-big-sums-of-money-from-banks-and-atms-c-22146579

My Australian News, April 21^st, 2026 - https://www.myaustraliannews.com.au/news-releases.html?id=1025269&headline=two-million-aussies-expected-to-withdraw-cash-on-cash-out-day-tuesday-22nd-april

‍