Ask Your Aspen Advisor:
“Will these new cash rules apply to my business, and should I start planning to handle notes and coins again before 1 January 2026?”
For years, the story has been that cash is disappearing. Tap and go, online payments and digital wallets have taken the lead.
Now, cash is quietly re-entering the conversation.
The Government has released draft regulations that would require some retailers to accept cash for everyday essentials. The aim is to make sure people can still buy groceries, fuel and similar basics when technology fails or when they simply prefer to use notes and coins.
Who Will Need to Accept Cash
The proposed rules focus on:
- Fuel retailers
- Grocery retailers, including big chains and independent supermarkets
They would only apply to:
- In person transactions
- Purchases under 500 dollars
So this is not about large, specialised jobs being paid fully in cash. It is about day to day items.
Smaller businesses are also being considered. If your business or franchise group has annual turnover below 10 million dollars, you are likely to be exempt from the requirement to accept cash.
The changes are expected to start from 1 January 2026, with a review after three years.
Why is this happening
Two key reasons:
- Inclusion and choice
While most Australians are happy using cards and phones, a noticeable group still relies on cash. This includes some older people and many in regional or remote communities. - Resilience when systems fail
During fires, floods, storms or simple outages, electronic payment systems can stop. In those moments, cash often becomes the only way for trade to continue.
The policy aim is to ensure basic goods stay accessible even when technology is not cooperating.
What This Means in Practice
If you are a larger retailer likely to be covered, you may need to:
- Reintroduce or upgrade cash floats and tills
- Train staff in handling and checking cash
- Revisit how often you bank and reconcile cash takings
- Put in place procedures for secure storage and transport of cash
If you are likely to be exempt, the focus will be on:
- Keeping clear records that show your turnover and group structure
- Being ready to demonstrate why the exemption applies if needed
There may also be a commercial opportunity. In some areas, especially regional ones, clearly welcoming cash can draw in customers who feel shut out by “card only” models..
How to Prepare
You do not have to make big changes yet, but it is wise to:
- Check which side of the 10 million dollar threshold you are on
- Review your payment policies and think about how cash would fit into them
- Consider training and processes so staff know what is expected
- Talk with your Aspen advisor about banking, security and tax considerations
Final Thought
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