NCR Atleos Corporation , a leader in expanding self-service financial access for financial institutions, retailers, and consumers, has unveiled new research that challenges the long-standing narrative that cash is fading away. Drawing on proprietary insights from the largest independently owned and operated ATM network in the United States, the company’s latest findings paint a different picture: cash remains essential — and demand is growing in many communities.
According to Atleos network data, consumer activity across its ATM footprint is increasing, with more transactions per machine and higher overall withdrawal totals. Rather than declining, usage appears to be consolidating around trusted, accessible machines, particularly in areas where reliable financial access is critical.
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One of the most striking findings centers on low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods. ATMs located in these communities see 38 percent more transactions per machine than those in affluent areas, even though wealthier neighborhoods have roughly twice as many machines. Interestingly, the average withdrawal amount remains similar across income segments, reinforcing that the need for cash is not confined to one demographic. Instead, it reflects a broad, cross-socioeconomic reliance on physical currency.
The data supports a larger national narrative. The Federal Reserve’s 2025 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice also confirms that cash continues to play an important role in everyday spending. Consumers frequently use it for small-value purchases, as a budgeting tool, and as a dependable fallback when digital systems fail. In an era increasingly shaped by digital payments, cash remains valued for its immediacy, certainty, and universal acceptance.
Atleos’ findings also suggest growing strategic implications for banks, credit unions, and retailers. As financial institutions continue to shrink branch networks and prioritize self-service models, ATM networks are carrying greater weight in ensuring consistent access to funds. More than half of Atleos transactions in the U.S. are surcharge-free, a factor that further supports accessibility and financial inclusion.
“Being part of a mission-driven industry—expanding access and retaining choice for consumers—is important to our customers and employees,” said Ben Bregman, SVP of Solutions for Atleos. He emphasized that cash remains foundational for millions of Americans, particularly in communities where it is preferred for its certainty and immediacy. As banks rethink their physical footprints, he noted, maintaining reliable access to cash is essential for equity, inclusion, and consumer choice.
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The broader takeaway is clear: cash is not disappearing. It is evolving. While digital payments continue to expand, millions of Americans still depend on physical currency as a trusted financial tool. For institutions navigating the balance between innovation and inclusion, the research highlights a simple but powerful reality — resilience in the payment ecosystem requires preserving choice.
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