Australian banknotes: Most are hoarded domestically or used in the shadow economy, says Reserve Bank

Heather Lewis is among the 7 per cent of Australians who like to pay for most of their purchases with cash.

Lewis, who is in a wheelchair, uses cash to pay for everything but her health insurance. She said the practice helped manage her money and maintain her independence.

Lewis is angry that this month’s Melbourne Royal Show will not allow patrons to buy tickets at the gate with cash. The Show said digital purchases helped it manage crowd flow, save time and reduce queues.

“A lot of us who use cash only feel like we’re being forced to go digital,” Lewis said. “It’s going to get to the point where you can’t do anything [without paying online].”

Lewis is what the Reserve Bank calls a “high cash user”, the fraction of people who use cash for 80 per cent or more of their in-personal tra