Tuesday, March 10, 2009

More free ATMs in the UK, but what about the US?

The March 5th issue of ATM & Debit News reports that UK-based Bank Machine, Ltd. is going to double the number of surcharge-free ATMs that they offer. They operate 2,000 surcharging ATMs and 250 free ones. The 250 additional ATMs will be added in low-income areas to fill the banking gap left by banks that have abandoned less lucrative locations. ATMs located in stores may be partially subsidized by rent from retailers, on the assumption that the machine will draw traffic.

This is an idea that needs to spread to the United States. The UK machines are typically installed in "hospitals, universities and military bases." ATM users will have the safety of accessing their money in a safe location, while the ATM owner is shielded from the vulnerability of a street-side machine.

Bank Machine Ltd. is owned by Houston-based Cardtronics.

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