The number of ATMs liquidated in Poland is increasing, which may affect the availability of cash for many social groups. According to the latest data, only in the first 4th of 2024 the number of ATMs in the country decreased by over a thousand. Euronet, the largest operator of these devices, announced the removal of another 330 ATMs. This is the consequence of progressive digitisation and the expanding usage of non-cash payments.
Will the absence of ATMs affect everyday life?
The main reason for reducing the number of ATMs is the decreasing profitability of their maintenance. Poles increasingly choose card payments, online transfers and mobile applications. According to the PolCard from Fiserv survey "Preferences for payment of Poles 2024", as many as 38% of citizens choose non-cash payments on all occasion, which means an increase of 5 percent points compared to 2022.
However, not everyone is ready for full digitalisation of payments. About 18% of Poles seldom or never usage bank cards or applications. Village residents and smaller towns are peculiarly susceptible to the difficulties associated with the deficiency of access to ATMs. In many places, cash remains the only payment option, especially in local stores or markets where there are no payment terminals.
Who's the problem?
The Ombudsman, Marcin Wiązek, pointed out this problem by writing to the president of the Union of Polish Banks. Closing bank branches and reducing the number of ATMs can affect consumer rights, especially aged people, disabled people and those who do not usage electronic payments.
What solutions are being considered?
We besides see akin challenges in another countries. Regulations have been introduced in any countries which require the minimum number of ATMs to be maintained in certain areas. In Poland, cashback services in stores are besides being considered, allowing cash to be paid straight at the cash register. Although this solution is only beginning to work, it may prove crucial to guarantee the availability of cash in smaller towns.
Are Poles ready for full digitisation?
Despite expanding the popularity of non-cash payments, any Poles inactive like to usage cash. The main reasons are habit (59%), better expenditure control (nearly 50%) and aversion to non-cash payments (39%). Interestingly, young people aged 18-29 who seldom usage electronic payments explain the deficiency of adequate payment opportunities in the places where they shop.
What's next?
President of Fiserv Polska, Krzysztof Polończyk, emphasises that the tendency to usage non-cash payments will deepen. The expanding percent of Poles choose electronic forms of payment, but the liquidation of ATMs raises questions about the future of cash. A compromise will be needed to guarantee a balance between digitisation and the needs of those utilizing conventional forms of payment.
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ATM decommissioning in Poland was announced
