Payment choice is a changing landscape

Cash still has a role

For many Australians, how they pay can depend on the purchase, the amount involved, or the circumstances. And as payment options continue to evolve, having a choice remains important.

Cash continues to be part of everyday spending. In 2025, around one in four in-person payments under $10 were made with cash, according to the RBA’s Consumer Payments Survey. Cash is also still part of the weekly routine for many Australians, with around half using cash in a typical week.

These figures show that while digital and card payments are now a regular part of everyday spending, cash continues to be used alongside them.

Why some Australians still choose cash

The reasons Australians choose cash vary. For some, it can help with managing their spending, while others value having cash available as an alternative way to pay.

The RBA’s 2025 Consumer Payments Survey found that around 20% of respondents said they use cash to avoid surcharges on other payment methods.

Many Australians also keep cash on hand as a backup for unexpected expenses or concerns about the reliability of electronic payment methods.

For people who regularly use cash, being able to access it remains an important part of managing everyday expenses.

What’s changing on 1 October?

There is another change to the payment landscape coming soon.

From 1 October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to add surcharges to eftpos, Mastercard, and Visa payments under the new card payment rules.

For consumers, this could mean seeing changes in the way businesses display prices or present different payment options.

Businesses can still offer discounts for certain payment methods, such as cash or PayID, provided the discount is clearly disclosed and the full price is displayed.

So, if you see a business offering a cash discount, it may be worth asking whether paying with cash could mean paying less. 

Keeping your options open

Australians have more choices in how they pay than ever before. Cards, mobile payments, and other digital options can offer convenience, while cash remains an important option for millions of Australians.

Having access to different payment methods means people can choose what works best for their circumstances.

Whether you tap, transfer or pay with cash, the important thing is having a choice.