Form Section Structure
 
 

Sign the petition to keep cash accessible

To the incoming government: 

 

I call on you to guarantee the future of cash by ensuring cash remains accessible, is accepted for essentials and there are no surcharges imposed for using cash.

 

Add your name below:

Campaign Section Structure

 

Let's protect the future of cash

UPDATE: On 1 July 2026, the government's enforcement powers came into effect for the new cash acceptance mandates and codes. The mandate is something we campaigned on, and aims to ensure that consumers are provided with a reasonable opportunity to pay in cash at certain times at supermarkets, fuel and retail sites for transactions under $500. Penalties from the ACCC for refusing to accept cash could be up to $198,000. 

Whilst we are glad to see the government take action to recognise the barrier that cash users face, we were disappointed to see the government take such a narrow view of what constitutes an ‘essential’. Items such as medication, medical supplies, telecommunications equipment, public transport, car parts and repairs, clothing and more aren’t covered by the new mandate. 

We’re going to continue to make the case for a mandate that covers a fuller range of essentials, so that those who need to can keep using cash for the things we can’t live without.

While digital payments are convenient for many, cash remains a lifeline. It’s critical for people in regional and remote areas, First Nations communities with limited digital access, and those who rely on cash for safety and security. It’s also the only backup when natural disasters or power outages wipe out card payment systems and communications networks.

Right now, big businesses are making the rules on cash, and consumers are being left behind. The government has taken the first step by consulting on ensuring businesses accept cash for essentials, but we need to show there is overwhelming public support to ensure that cash remains accessible to withdraw, accepted by businesses to pay for essentials and that surcharges cannot be imposed for using cash.

97% of CHOICE supporters surveyed said they believe businesses selling essential goods and services should be required to accept cash, so we know where consumers stand. Now, we have to make sure the government sides with the everyday people over big business. Sign the petition to make your voice heard now.

Join the call to keep cash accessible to ensure:

Cash remains accessible

People should be able to withdraw their own money in their own communities.

Cash is accepted for essentials

Businesses selling essential goods and services must be required to accept cash.

No cash surcharges

No one should be unfairly charged extra for using cash.

FAQs

Banks and ATMs are closing across Australia, making it harder for people to withdraw cash without traveling long distances or paying high fees. At the same time, some businesses are refusing to accept cash, leaving those who rely on it with fewer options to pay for essentials.

Many groups are disproportionately impacted. First Nations communities are often more vulnerable to exploitation through predatory credit practices and face digital barriers to non-cash payment methods. Other groups include people in remote areas with poor internet access or at risk of natural disasters and power outages, older Australians who are less comfortable with digital banking, people experiencing financial abuse who need cash for security, and those who simply want the choice of how to pay.
CHOICE is calling on the incoming government to introduce strong protections for cash, ensuring that people can withdraw it easily, use it to buy essential goods and services, and are not penalised for choosing cash. By signing, you’ll help build the public pressure needed to make sure these protections become law.
Learn More Campaign Anchor

Learn more

Error Modal Container
Scripts Block