NCR Atleos Releases Research on Cash Usage Trends in the U.S.
Atlanta, Ga. — February 24, 2026 — Leads & Copy — NCR Atleos Corporation (NYSE: NATL) has released new research examining cash usage across the U.S. payment landscape.
The Atleos report uses proprietary insights from its ATM network to show that cash plays a vital role for millions of Americans, especially in communities that depend on reliable cash access. Atleos operates what it says is the largest independently owned and operated ATM network in the country.
Atleos network data indicates rising consumer demand across multiple markets and retail verticals, with more transactions and higher withdrawal totals per unit. The analysis also finds that ATMs in low-to-moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods see 38% more transactions per machine than those in affluent areas, despite affluent areas hosting roughly twice as many ATMs. Average withdrawal amounts are similar, underscoring that demand for cash crosses socioeconomic lines.
The company says consumers continue to use cash for small-value purchases, budgeting discipline, and as a dependable fallback when digital channels fail. This is supported by the Federal Reserve Financial Services 2025 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice.
According to the company, across all 20 metros analyzed, LMI locations outpaced affluent ones in transaction volume per machine, highlighting an opportunity to expand access and prevent banking deserts. Atleos ATMs are handling more transactions per device and higher total withdrawal dollars, reflecting growing consumer reliance on the network as branches and banks emphasize self-service.
The company says more than half of Atleos transactions are surcharge-free to consumers in the U.S. Banks, credit unions and retailers can bolster financial inclusion and resilience by optimizing ATM coverage, particularly in underserved areas.
Ben Bregman, SVP of Solutions for Atleos, said that cash is a foundational part of how millions of Americans manage their finances, especially in communities where cash is preferred for its certainty and immediacy as a payment mechanism. He added that as financial institutions rethink their physical footprints, ensuring reliable access to cash is essential for equity, inclusion, and consumer choice, and Atleos is committed to delivering the solutions that keep that access strong and sustainable.
The Atleos cash insights ebook provides a comprehensive view of cash usage, ATM productivity, regional dynamics, and financial inclusion trends, with a special focus on LMI communities. It is available on the Atleos Insights page.
LMI communities are those in certain geographies that have income levels that fall between certain ranges, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau. A low-income community means there is a median family income of less than 50 percent of the area median income. A moderate-income community means that the median family income is at least 50 percent and less than 80 percent of the area median income.
Atleos is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., with approximately 20,000 employees globally. Atleos is ranked #12 in Newsweek’s prestigious 2025 Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list.
Source: NCR Atleos Corporation
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