More than a quarter of Belgians complain about the shortage of ATMs in the area. Almost half more than in 2019. Nowhere else in Europe is the frustration with the lack of cash collection points so great.
The rapid reduction in the number of ATMs in our country is hard for the Belgians. In a triennial survey by the European Central Bank (ECB), one in four (27%) say they have difficulty accessing cash. Three years ago it was only 15%. Across the Eurozone, one in ten say it is difficult to find a collection point. It is becoming increasingly difficult for vulnerable people in Belgium to make payments, the ECB report says.
Major Belgian banks have long ago phased out their branch networks, and consequently their ATMs are also disappearing. According to data from the Febelfin banking federation, there were 15,946 ATMs in Belgium in 2010, compared to just 7,919 last year, which is nearly halving.
Neutral banking machines
Office collection points will be replaced by neutral bank ATMs from Batopin, a partnership of the four major banks. But this is increasingly criticized. Last month, the Competition and Market Authority launched an investigation into whether cooperation between banks is beneficial for consumers.
The Association of Flemish Towns and Municipalities (VVSG) now claims that 95% of Belgians have at least one ATM within a 5km radius. ATMs in shops can also be a solution and are worth considering for the VVSG.
Read also: In our country, at least one ATM disappears every day: already 3,275 fewer devices since 2015: “The abolition of ATMs must end” (+)
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