ATM use hits 15-year-low as shift to cashless society gathers momentum

ATM withdrawals have slumped to their lowest levels in 15 years and the number of Australians taking cash out during debit card transactions is falling at the fastest annual rate on record.

The new figures provide an insight into the wider shift towards a cashless economy, as electronic payments such as Paypass transform habits and consumers shy away from ATM withdrawal fees and bricks-and-mortar branches.
ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft tells the Economics Legislation Committee bank culture is still an issue that needs to be addressed.
According to Reserve Bank of Australia figures released on Monday, the number of ATM withdrawals in January fell by 7.7 per cent compared to last year. The total value was down by 3.9 per cent.  It follows two consecutive years of ATM withdrawals falling by more than 6 per cent.

“Cash is no longer king,” said CommSec chief economist Craig James. “Use of both credit and debit cars is soaring with more people using the cards for small purchases.”

 

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