In recent years, banks in Germany have been closing several agencies and reducing the number of ATM boxes available to the population. This change has made more difficult cash access to money for many citizens.
Cash availability can decrease
According to Bundesbank, German Central Bank, the cash supply is still ensured, but there are signs that availability may decrease in the future. The entity warns that the ease with which Germans can get cash may not be guaranteed in the long run.
Majority of the population still have access to money
In its latest statement, and according to, Bundesbank states that “most of the population has access to an ATM or a bank counter within five kilometers.” The analysis indicates that 90.3% of people living in rural areas can find a money lifting point at this distance, while in cities this percentage rises to 98.1%.
Balcons Closing affects access to money
The reduction in the number of steps and automatic survey terminals has been accompanied by an increase in the difficulties reported by citizens in accessing physical money. This trend reinforces Bundesbank’s concern about the future of cash circulation in the country.
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Sharp drop in the number of bank branches
The number of bank branches in Germany has suffered a sharp break over the last two decades. In 2002, there were about 53,000 bank counters, a number that descended to only 21,000 in 2023.
Number of ATM boxes also decreased
The number of ATM boxes followed a different route, increasing an increase by 2018, when it reached 59,000 units. However, since then, the trend has reversed and, by 2023, this number fell to 51,000, according to the data provided by Bundesbank.
Alternatives to raise money
In addition to conventional terminals, some German supermarkets allow customers to raise money when shopping. This alternative helps to conform, in part, the lack of ATMs in certain regions.
ATM Assaults ATM increased by 2022
Although the current concern attaches to cash accessibility, in 2022 Germany faced another problem -related problem: attacks and theft. The country registered, on average, more than one robbery per day for automatic boxes.
Throughout this year, 496 attacks or attempts to assault on explosives were counted, causing not only financial losses but also large material damage.
Of the attacks registered, 413 resulted in successful detonations, with criminals being able to steal about 30 million euros in cash. In addition, the damage caused in infrastructures ascended to approximately 13 million euros.
German authorities have reinforced security measures to wage this type of crime. The increase in surveillance and the installation of more advanced protective devices have been some of the strategies adopted.
Access to the cash is still guaranteed
Despite the challenges, Bundesbank ensures that the Germans continue to have access to the cash, albeit with more difficulties than in the past. The entity defends the importance of maintaining the circulation of cash as a way to ensure the financial inclusion of the entire population.
Digitization of payments changes habits
The growing digitization of payments is one of the factors that has contributed to reducing the need for physical money. However, many people still prefer to use cash, whether for reasons of safety, privacy or consumer habits.
The future of cash in Germany
The future of cash availability in Germany remains uncertain. Bundesbank appeals to a balance between digital innovation and the preservation of a system that allows access to cash to all citizens.
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