New NCR Atleos U.S. Research Shows Strength of Cash and Its Critical Role in Financial Inclusion

Core Insights - Atleos Corporation emphasizes the ongoing importance of cash in the U.S. payment landscape, particularly for communities reliant on cash access [1][4] Cash Usage and Demand - Atleos network data shows increasing consumer demand for cash, with more transactions and higher withdrawal totals per ATM unit [2] - ATMs in low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods experience 38% more transactions per machine compared to affluent areas, despite affluent areas having approximately twice as many ATMs [2] - Average withdrawal amounts are similar across different socioeconomic groups, indicating that cash demand transcends income levels [2] Financial Inclusion and Access - The Atleos cash insights report highlights the significance of cash for financial management, especially in communities where cash is preferred for its reliability [4][8] - The report underscores the need for financial institutions to ensure reliable cash access as they reconsider their physical presence, promoting equity and consumer choice [4] - More than half of Atleos transactions in the U.S. are surcharge-free for consumers, enhancing accessibility [8] Strategic Implications - The analysis suggests that banks, credit unions, and retailers can improve financial inclusion by optimizing ATM coverage in underserved areas [8] - LMI areas consistently outperform affluent ones in transaction volume per machine, presenting opportunities to expand access and mitigate banking deserts [8]