In Australia, a single cash withdrawal or deposit of A$10,000 or more triggers a mandatory report (TTR) to AUSTRAC, which isn't a "red flag" against you but a legal requirement to monitor for financial crime, so it's the threshold for official reporting, not necessarily suspicion, though suspicious patterns like structuring (breaking down larger amounts) are red flags and illegal. For your bank, withdrawing large amounts often requires branch visits and ID, and withdrawing just under $10k (like $9,900) repeatedly can be seen as structuring.
You must submit a TTR to AUSTRAC for each individual cash transaction of A$10,000 or more. If you suspect your customer is structuring their transactions to avoid the TTR reporting threshold, or is transacting with proceeds of crime, you must submit a suspicious matter report (SMR) to AUSTRAC.
Understanding “Structuring” and Why It Matters
Some people, intentionally or otherwise, may try to sidestep the $10,000 reporting threshold by withdrawing smaller amounts in separate transactions. Known as “structuring,” this activity is considered illegal if done deliberately to avoid detection.
Yes, you can generally withdraw $5,000 from a bank, but it often requires going to a branch and sometimes calling ahead, as ATM limits are usually much lower (around $1,000-$2,000 daily), and large amounts (over $10,000) trigger mandatory reporting for anti-money laundering. You'll likely need to visit a teller, and your bank might request advance notice (like 24-48 hours) for such large cash withdrawals to ensure funds are available, so always contact your bank first.
You can also check your account balances, pay bills, deposit up to $10,000 cash or cheques and withdraw up to $2,000 per day free-of-charge.
To take out a large sum of cash, your best bet is to visit a branch and make the withdrawal through a teller. Often, banks will let you withdraw up to $20,000 per day in person (where they can confirm your identity). Daily withdrawal limits at ATMs tend to be much lower, generally ranging from $300 to $1,000.
Australia's new cash laws, effective January 1, 2026, mandate that major grocery and fuel retailers must accept cash for in-person purchases up to $500 between 7 am and 9 pm, ensuring essential goods remain accessible, though small businesses with under $10m turnover are generally exempt. These regulations aim to support cash-reliant Australians but don't apply to all businesses, with specific rules for essential items and transaction times.
In some cases, we may choose to decline the cash withdrawal based on the information you've given us. This would only ever be in situations where we need to protect our customers because we have concerns about an account.
Anytime you withdraw more than $10,000 in cash, your bank is legally required to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The report includes your name, account number, and the exact amount withdrawn, along with the date and location of the transaction.
Legal and Savings Withdrawal Limits
That said, cash withdrawals are subject to the same reporting limits as all transactions. If you withdraw $10,000 or more, your bank must report it to the IRS by law. This helps prevent money laundering and tax evasion.
The teller may casually ask why you are withdrawing the money. It can feel personal, but it is a routine question tied to fraud prevention and anti-money laundering rules. You are not required to give a detailed explanation. A simple answer like "personal expenses" or "buying something in cash" is enough.
1.2 NAB may refuse to process a withdrawal if your account has insufficient credit funds available to satisfy the withdrawal.
It is certainly not illegal to make a withdrawal for $7,000, $8,000, or $9,000. A crime only occurs when an individual knew about the reporting requirement and intended to evade it. The scary part is that there is no element of the crime of structuring that requires that the money is being used for something illegal.
This includes cash deposits of 10,000 Australian dollars or more that you placed into your bank accounts in Australia or other financial institutions in Australia. When conducting an audit, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can obtain access to any reports made to AUSTRAC about cash transactions of $10,000 or more.
There's no limit to how much cash a family can bring into or out of the US, but if the combined total exceeds $10,000, it must be declared to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This $10,000 threshold applies to the family as a group, not per person.
It's your money, and generally, you have the right to withdraw as much -- or as little -- as you desire from your bank account. However, under a law called the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), banks must report any deposits or withdrawals of $10,000 or more.
Unless your bank has set a withdrawal limit of its own, you are free to take as much out of your bank account as you would like. It is, after all, your money. Here's the catch: If you withdraw $10,000 or more, it will trigger federal reporting requirements.
ask me for additional information when I make a large deposit or withdrawal? Yes. The bank may be asking for additional information because federal law requires banks to complete forms for large and/or suspicious transactions as a way to flag possible money laundering.
It could get the IRS's attention (but it's not illegal)
Withdrawing $10,000 is completely legal, but large cash transactions can attract IRS attention -- especially if they seem unusual or frequent. If your withdrawal is linked to legitimate activities, you have nothing to worry about.
EFTPOS, bills and ATMs
ATM/EFTPOS cash withdrawal – $1,000 (this can be increased to $2,000.00 by contacting us).
Please note that it is advisable to give 24 hours' notice on Large Cash Withdrawals, in particular for amounts over £2,000 or if you would like specific denominations.
The $10,000 threshold was created as part of the Bank Secrecy Act, passed by Congress in 1970, and adjusted with the Patriot Act in 2002. The law is an effort to curb money laundering and other illegal activities. The threshold also includes withdrawals of more than $10,000.
There is no limit to the amount of physical currency that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. However, travellers entering and departing Australia must report any currency they are carrying of $10,000 or more in Australian dollars, or the foreign currency equivalent.
Generally, if you're in a trade or business and receive more than $10,000 in cash in a single transaction or in related transactions, you must file Form 8300.
It is legal for you to be paid cash in hand – but your employer must give you a payslip. If you get cash without a payslip there is a real risk that your employer is not following the law. For example, your employer may not be making superannuation contributions for you or paying income tax on your wages.