Cash Comeback: Australian Cash Circulation Increases

1

The latest data from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reveals a significant jump in the value of banknotes in circulation. Specifically, there was a $300 million increase in the week ending October 16. While cash circulation dipped between July and early September, starting September 11, a steady climb was observed week-on-week.

Jason Bryce of Cash Welcome attributes this shift to Australia's growing reliance on cash as a trusted and readily accessible method of payment, even as banking institutions reduce their physical presence by shuttering numerous branches. "These numbers are proof more and more Aussies are turning to physical cash as a reliable and 'easily available' means of payment," he remarks.

Earlier this year, dissatisfaction what evident in pockets around the country, as exemplified by ANZ customers in Katoomba who protested the closure of their local branch. Bryce criticized major banks for abandoning their communities without a viable plan to maintain access to cash. "Retailers are not set up to provide people with their payday cash through EFTPOS cash-out," Bryce added.

In response, ANZ has indicated that the advent of mobile banking solutions has contributed significantly to the reduced in-branch transactions, which they state have decreased by 50% over the last five years. The bank highlighted that only 1% of interactions occur over the counter, supplemented by almost 4 million customers engaging through mobile apps.

In their official statement, ANZ assured ongoing support for Katoomba branch customers, mentioning available options like nearby banking facilities, ATMX network, and remote banking services, aiming to ensure all banking needs are met even with fewer branches.

Australia’s banking landscape is seeing a sizeable reduction of branches and ATMs; this trend has been ongoing with a 57% decrease over the past seven years, dropping from 19,508 to 8,836 ATMs as of mid-2024. Conversely, the value of banknotes in communities increased dramatically from $73.5 billion to $100.8 billion over the same period.

A Senate inquiry reported last year that from 2017 upwards of 2100 branches were closed nationwide, showcasing a 39% reduction in available banking locations in key metropolitan areas. Furthermore, RBA statistics indicate that ATM withdrawals, both in terms of their quantity and total value, have fallen by 60% and 40%, respectively.

This data highlights a paradoxical shift: while traditional banking access declines, confidence in tangible currency seems to rise across various Australian demographics. As financial service providers navigate these shifting landscapes, there remains an urgent call to establish straightforward methods of payment within all communities. As Bryce puts it succinctly, "It's up to banks to support cash as a freely circulating, easily available means of payment."

Published:Monday, 28th Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

RBA to Continue Interest Rate Cuts Amid High Unemployment 08 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is anticipated to maintain its trajectory of incremental interest rate reductions, according to insights from leading financial analysts at ANZ. Recent data from the ANZ-Indeed Australian Job Ads series revealed a rise from 114.8 in May to 116.9 in June, suggesting a potential rebound in job advertisements after previous declines. Despite a stable unemployment rate and hours-based underutilisation rate since mid-2024, the Australian labour market remains strained. - read more

RBA Poised for Cash Rate Cut Amid Inflationary Trends 07 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) prepares for its forthcoming monetary policy announcement, economic analysts anticipate a further reduction in the official cash rate by 25 basis points. This prediction, supported by Finder’s RBA Cash Rate Survey, reveals that 88% of participating experts foresee a cut that would lower the interest rate to 3.6%, aligning the decision with the recent decline in both headline and core inflation to the central bank's target range of two to three percent. - read more

Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers 04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori In a concerning revelation, Australian retiree Christine Hirchfield shares her ordeal with an unsolicited solar installation that turned into a financial nightmare. Despite her initial enthusiasm for cheaper energy bills and a greener home, the project remains incomplete more than a year later. Consumer groups are now advocating for a nationwide prohibition on deceptive sales practices that target vulnerable consumers like Ms Hirchfield. - read more