NCR Atleos Corporation (Atleos), a prominent provider of self-service financial access, has released new research indicating the continued importance of cash in the U.
S. payment landscape, particularly within low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods, based on data from its extensive ATM network. The research, drawn from Atleos’s independently owned and operated ATM network—the largest of its kind in the United States—reveals that cash remains a crucial financial tool for millions of Americans, especially in communities reliant on consistent cash availability. Data from the Atleos network points to increasing consumer demand across various markets and retail sectors, marked by a rise in both transaction volume and average withdrawal amounts per ATM. A key finding of the analysis indicates that ATMs located in low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods experience 38% more transactions per machine compared to those in affluent areas. This occurs despite affluent regions having approximately twice as many ATMs. The report also notes that average withdrawal amounts are similar across socioeconomic groups, underscoring that the demand for cash is widespread. The study suggests that while cash usage is evolving, it is not diminishing. Consumers continue to utilize cash for small-value purchases, as a method for budgeting, and as a reliable alternative when digital payment systems are unavailable. This observation aligns with findings from the Federal Reserve Financial Services 2025 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice. Furthermore, over half of the transactions processed by Atleos ATMs in the U.
S. are surcharge-free for consumers. These insights carry strategic implications for financial institutions, credit unions, and retailers, suggesting opportunities to enhance financial inclusion and resilience by optimizing ATM placement. This is particularly relevant in areas that are currently underserved. Ben Bregman, SVP of Solutions for Atleos, commented on the findings, stating, “Being part of a mission-driven industry—expanding access and retaining choice for consumers—is important to our customers and employees. Cash is a foundational part of how millions of Americans manage their finances, especially in communities where cash is preferred for its certainty and immediacy as a payment mechanism. As financial institutions rethink their physical footprints, ensuring reliable access to cash is essential for equity, inclusion, and consumer choice. Atleos is committed to delivering the solutions that keep that access strong and sustainable.” The Atleos cash insights ebook, which details cash usage, ATM productivity, regional trends, and financial inclusion, with a specific focus on LMI communities, is available on the Atleos Insights page. LMI communities are defined by the U.
S. Census Bureau based on median family income relative to the area median income. Atleos (NYSE: NATL) specializes in expanding self-service financial access, leveraging its ATM expertise and operational scale, which includes the largest independently-owned ATM network globally. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, Atleos aims to improve operational efficiency for financial institutions, increase foot traffic for retailers, and provide digital-first self-service experiences for consumers. The company was recognized as #12 in Newsweek’s 2025 Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list.
