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French Banks Say Cash Access Largely Intact Despite 8,500 ATM Cuts

The banking lobby credits consolidation for preserving cash access despite surging card use.

Un distributeur automatique de billets à Andlau, dans le Bas-Rhin, le 19 novembre 2025.

Overview

  • The French Banking Federation said only 0.1% of people need more than 15 minutes to reach an ATM or other cash point.
  • Since 2018, banks have removed more than 8,500 ATMs, yet the number of sites has held near 30,000 through consolidation.
  • Most removals happened in cities as card payments became standard, even as cash still accounts for about 47% of purchases.
  • To keep coverage, banks share some machines and route withdrawals through accredited retailers such as post offices, bakeries and tobacconists, with digital lessons and mobile adviser vans used in rural areas.
  • The ECB reports satisfaction with ATM access above 90% in France, and the Economy Ministry says 99% of metropolitan residents live in or within a 15‑minute drive of a cash point.