Commsec data shows ATM use has hit a near record low, leading economists to speculate on how just long we will keep using cash.

ATM withdrawals are down 6.4 per cent in March compared to the same time a year ago.

The record decline in ATM usage began in December last year, but the second straight drop now suggests a trend is emerging.

Looking at annual data, the number of ATM transactions has been falling for the last four years.

Technological innovations like PayPass and Paywave mean consumers are carrying less cash, while more and more shops are realising they now risk losing business by not taking EFTPOS.

Commsec also released data on credit bills and spending.

The figures show consumers are spending within their means.

Commsec says debit card transactions are up almost 13 per cent on 2015 numbers, but the average credit card balance is down 1.8 per cent - the steepest fall in two years.