Access to cash
The Reserve Bank proposes requiring banks to provide free cash withdrawals, deposits and change within specified travel distances throughout New Zealand.
- Closing date
- 31 July 2026
- Added to Civics
- 13 July 2026
- Source category
- Other public body
- Source body
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand
- Last checked
- 13 July 2026
Closes in 17 days
Plain-English summary
The Reserve Bank proposes a cash services standard requiring banks to maintain enough qualifying locations for people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, and obtain change, free of charge within specified travel distances.
The proposed network could include branches, multi-bank sites and cash depots. Feedback is sought on whether the coverage rules would meet community needs and whether the proposed services and locations are practical.
Why it matters
The standard would determine how far people may need to travel to withdraw or deposit cash without paying a fee.
Reliable cash services matter to households, retailers and communities that cannot depend entirely on digital payments.
Who may care
- Cash users, retailers, rural communities, older people and disability advocates
- Banks, cash-service providers and consumer organisations
How to make a submission
- Complete the Reserve Bank's online survey from the official consultation page.
- Alternative email, paper and New Zealand Sign Language submission options are listed on the official page.
Disclaimer
Civics.nz is an independent plain-English guide and is not an official government website. Always check the official source before making a submission.