Cash machines are on their way out – here’s what’s taking their place
As payments go more digital, France’s familiar cash machines are due for a big shake-up. With cash use falling, the major French banks — BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Mutuel, and CIC — have unveiled plans to phase out traditional ATMs and replace them with newer machines called Cash Services. The move reflects how banks are adapting to changing customer habits and the rising costs of keeping older systems running.
The digital shift and the decline of cash
Cash transactions have dropped noticeably in France. Recent figures show only 51% of payments are now made in cash, down from 68% in 2017. That shift towards cards and digital methods is taking the pressure off cash machines.
Maintaining ATMs has become costly for many banks, so combining resources and updating the network looks like the practical way forward for the four partner brands.
Rolling out Cash Services
The rollout will be large. According to BNP Paribas’ press release, nearly 7,000 Cash Services sites are planned for deployment during 2026, covering both in-branch and off-branch locations. The plan sets interim goals of 1,000 installations by the end of June 2025, rising to 3,000 before the end of that year.
Existing ATMs won’t be spared: 3,000 are due to be removed in the coming months, a figure reported by Le Monde in April, with several thousand more expected to disappear by the end of the year. Most of the machines targeted are in urban and suburban areas.
The new Cash Services aren’t just about a new look. They’ll offer more functions than simple withdrawals: customers will be able to deposit cash and cheques, and the machines will intelligently recognise the customer’s bank card to make interactions smoother. Withdrawals won’t carry extra charges when used outside your own bank’s network.
How customers are reacting
How people adapt will matter. While Cash Services bring new features, many will miss the straightforward convenience of the old ATMs.
Banks are expected to engage with communities as the change unfolds. Think about it: “Are you ready to say goodbye to the good old ATMs?” and “Have you noticed the installation of these new Cash Services in your town?” Those questions invite public views on what’s happening.
In summary, swapping ATMs for Cash Services is a significant step in modernising France’s banking infrastructure. It follows the wider shift towards digital payments and signals more collaboration between major banks. Customers and banks alike are at a turning point where adapting to change will shape how successful the new network proves to be.