A leading cash campaigner says rising ATM withdrawals are proof Australians don't want a cashless society.
Data from the Reserve Bank reveals there were 30,859,700 ATM withdrawals made across the country in February.
This marks a 3.6 per cent increase from the corresponding month last year and a 0.5 per cent increase from January.
Australians withdrew more than $9.5 billion in February.
The data also reveals Australians are withdrawing larger amounts - the average withdrawal rose from $292 to $308 from February 2023-2024.
Cash Welcome campaign founder Jason Bryce said the data was proof Australians still wanted to withdraw and use cash.
"Banks can no longer claim that Australians don't want access to physical currency as an excuse for closing branches and ATMs," Mr Bryce said.
Mr Bryce suggested banks have a vested interest in a cashless society, pointing out they profit from merchant service fees on digital payments, card surcharges and the collection of transaction data.
"Only cash is reliable, private and surcharge-free. Without cash as a payment option, there is no competitive pressure on the banks to rein in their rising fees," Mr Bryce said.
"Retailers also have a responsibility to ensure cash users can purchase food and essential groceries."
According to a survey paid for by digital payment app Wave, 71 per cent of Australians are worried about the country going cashless.
An online petition calling for government action to protect access to and acceptance of cash has collected more than 174,000 signatures.
To sign the petition go to www.change.org and search Banking and Cash Guarantee.
