Cash makes a comeback
RBA research shows that Australians are embracing our Campaign to Keep Cash circulating in the economy.
The National Seniors Australia (NSA) Keep Cash campaign is working, with cash usage on the rise.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) 2025 Consumer Payments Survey reveals that cash usage has increased by number of transactions (15% in 2025 compared to 13% in 2022) and by the total value of transactions.
It also shows:
A decline in the proportion of people who never use cash
Three-quarters of Australians carry cash in their wallets, with the median amount around $65.
About one in four payments less than $10 is made with cash.
NSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Chris Grice, said the survey results reaffirm the importance of cash, despite the historic trend toward a more digital economy.
“Not surprisingly, the RBA survey showed cash has the highest share of payments among people aged 65+, on lower incomes, and in regional areas,” Mr Grice said.
“These are a few of the many reasons why National Seniors Australia has been running our hugely popular Keep Cash campaign.
“Since July 2024, NSA has been championing the need to keep cash accessible and accepted. Not all seniors are comfortable using debit or credit cards, or banking online, because they’re not tech savvy, they’re fearful of potential scams, and cash is what they’ve always known.
“Furthermore, doing any business online comes with problems and risks. In emergency situations and during outages, when electronic systems crash, cash plays a vital role. And in these times of global uncertainty, it also provides security.”
NSA’s mantra, as part of our Keep Cash campaign, has been to “use it or lose it”.
“If there is any one true measurement of success and the effectiveness of ‘people power’ – the many NSA Keep Cash supporters who encourage consumers to use cash and for retailers to accept it – this, is it!
“For the first time in years, Australians are using cash, more often, and for greater amounts,” Mr Grice said.
He said cash users across the country should feel validated by the results of the RBA survey, which prove cash still has a solid place in the economy.
“Add to this the Cash Mandate introduced in January this year and cash is certainly making a comeback,” he said.
NSA thanks everyone who has supported the Keep Cash campaign and encourages other to become involved, by displaying our stickers and encouraging local businesses to accept payment in cash.
For details about the campaign, click here.
We also want to thank atmx, the nation’s largest fee-free ATM network, which has a partnership with NSA to ensure cash remains an accessible and affordable payment option across Australia.
Thousands of Australia-wide discounts
Exclusive offers and savings across dining, shopping, gift cards, and more – all in the EAT | PLAY | SAVE app.
Members save 10% on Travel Insurance*
National Seniors members receive a 10% discount on travel insurance policies*.
Financial Information Consultant
Speak to a real person and receive up-to-date information on retirement planning, superannuation, and more!
Branches
Expand your social circle, enjoy social events, day trips, guest speakers, and meet like-minded members.
Exclusive Travel Discounts
Save on tours, cruises, and holidays with exclusive discounts on National Seniors Travel.
Our Generation Digital Magazine
Receive a yearly subscription to Our Generation Digital Magazine.
The Good Guys Commercial
Members enjoy exclusive access to The Good Guys Corporate Benefits. Save on small and large appliances as well as technology.
Advocacy & Research
Your membership directly funds our advocacy and research work fighting issues that affect you.
Competitions
Access exclusive member-only weekly competitions including books, DVDs, CDs, movie tickets and more.
Discounts
In addition to the discounts app, members can save thousands on eGift Cards and other discounted products.
*The discount applies to the total National Seniors travel insurance premium and is for National Seniors Australia members only. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. nib has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount
National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003, AR 282736 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
