As Australians navigate through the digital age, the way people handle their finances could be undergoing a significant shift.

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has recently shed light on the future of banking in Australia, and it could be a dramatic change, especially for seniors.

With the decline of cash transactions and the rise of digital payments, the traditional bank branch as we know it is poised for a transformation.

ABA Head Anna Bligh highlighted that Australia could be in the midst of the 'biggest transformation in the history of the country', especially when it comes to banking services.

The digitisation of financial transactions could slowly become a new reality for the country.

Digital payments, such as tap-to-go payments, have seen a significant rise over the past years. Image Credit: Pexels/Ivan Samkov

Bligh sat down with 2 GB's Michael McLaren for a conversation about these changes in Australians' finances.

'We are, as Australians, using less and less and less cash,' Ms Bligh shared, underscoring the profound implications this trend has for the banking sector.

Back in 2007, 70 per cent of all transactions in Australia were conducted with cash.

Fast forward to today, it has plummeted to around 10 per cent.

According to the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) predictions, cash transactions could dwindle to four per cent by 2030.

This decline is not just a reflection of consumer preference but also a testament to the convenience and security that digital payment methods offer.

What does this mean for banks and senior customers?

According to Bligh, the reduced use of cash could alter the role and function of these bank branches.

Visiting a branch to withdraw or deposit cash could become a thing of the past.

This shift could also be evident in the mortgage industry, where 75 per cent of home loans in Australia are being facilitated by mortgage brokers who often provide in-home services.

In response, some banks have been adapting to these changes.

Westpac recently reopened three regional branches in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania as new Service Centres.

However, instead of traditional teller services, customers need to access SmartATMs for cash transactions.

Additionally, these centres would offer face-to-face support for both retail and business customers, digital banking assistance, lending support and help with scams, among others.

However, the move towards a cashless society has challenges.

Many seniors may have concerns about the security of digital payments, the learning curve associated with new technology, or the loss of personal interaction bank branches often provide.

Another concern could be the accessibility of digital banking apps, as they could be susceptible to downtime.

Banks need to ensure that the shift to digital banking should be inclusive and accessible to all Australians, regardless of age or technological proficiency.

The move towards a cashless society has been accelerating.

For seniors, staying informed about these changes could be the key to navigating these changes.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Banking Association indicated that banks in Australia could change significantly due to less cash being used.
• Anna Bligh stated that Australia is witnessing the 'biggest transformation in the history of the country' with the move towards cashless transactions and digital banking.
• The use of cash for payments has dramatically dropped from 70 per cent in 2007 to around 10 per cent, with predictions it could fall to four per cent by 2030.
• Changes in customer behaviour have been influencing the move away from traditional banking models, prompting banks to find new ways to serve customers.

How do you feel about the move towards a cashless society? Are you ready for the changes ahead, or do you have reservations? Share your thoughts and opinions about digital banking in the comments below.

 

[Leenie]

Another step to total control over citizens, ONE WORLD ORDER getting closer,we need to step and fight for our rights .