Cash Payments in Hospitality

What 2025 Trends Reveal About Cash Payments in Hospitality

Cash may not be the loudest player in the way Australian’s choose to pay, but it's far from gone in the hospitality and gaming scene. From busy pubs to regional clubs, we are still seeing cash play an essential role in how patrons spend, socialise, and stay connected with their community.

Stats Say Cash is Up

Despite the headlines, the RBA’s latest figures show that cash circulation is up near historical highs - sitting at around $104 billion. In the same report, it was found that cash still accounts for over 13% of all customer payments, highlighting how everyday Australians still value the freedom of payment choice, something the Reserve Bank of Australia acknowledged.

In a January publication about access to cash, it was concluded that “Maintaining adequate access to cash in Australia is important as cash is relied on by a significant number of Australians to make their everyday payments and participate in the economy.”.

It is clear that cash continues to play a vital role in everyday life, with some communities relying on it more heavily than others.

Cash is Fee-Free

Card payments are undeniably convenient - but if look a little closer, you’ll find a small fee for that convenience. Every card transaction carries a cost, and it will either be you or your favourite local venue footing the bill, and for hospitality and gaming operators working on tight margins, every dollar counts.

Hidden fees, processing delays, or technical issues can quickly turn convenience into a cost. This is where cash still proves its value. It is instant, reliable, and fee-free - the only payment method that works independently, effortlessly, and every single time.

For venues, maintaining cash acceptance isn’t just about payment preferences. It’s about ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for every patron who walks through the door.

The Value of Cash in Hospitality and Gaming

In hospitality and gaming, cash offers something digital payments can’t - privacy, reliability, and a sense of control.

For patrons, cash is simple and grounding. Walking in with $100 in their wallet means knowing exactly what they can spend. They can see it, feel it, and make conscious choices - helping create a more controlled and enjoyable experience that keeps them coming back.

But perhaps one of the most underrated benefits of cash is privacy. When you pay with cash, there’s no digital footprint. Your purchases aren’t being tracked or used to build spending profiles. Unlike card payments, which are tracked by banks, lenders, and other third-party systems, cash gives people the freedom to spend on their own terms - quietly and securely.

And when it comes to reliability, cash stands strong. It doesn’t crash, freeze, or rely on an internet connection. As highlighted in this ABC News story on Western Australia’s King River Tavern - a venue that operates entirely on cash - being able to trade when systems go down keeps business running and revenue flowing.

Where Next Payments Fits In

At Next Payments, we see first-hand how cash use continues in hospitality and gaming operations across Australia.

From hardware like ATMs, Cash Recyclers, CRTs, and reporting software like Concilio - our solutions help maintain cash access and ensure venues handle cash efficiently, securely, and intelligently.

Whether it’s a busy bar, a gaming floor, or a regional pub serving regulars who still prefer notes and coins, cash keeps businesses moving and customers connected. And in a fast-changing payment landscape, offering choice and accessibility remains essential.

Backed by the Reserve Bank of Australia, businesses like ours, and communities that rely on it every day, cash continues to prove its worth - reliable, inclusive, and fee-free. That’s why at Next Payments, we’re committed to keeping cash access easy, secure, and available wherever it’s needed most across the hospitality sector and beyond.

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Have a question or would like more information? Please contact: media@nextpayments.com.au