France is witnessing a major transformation of its network of vending machines. In Montreuil, in Seine–Saint-Denis, the first feedback is clear: users are already adopting these new machines labeled “Cash Services”. A change that is accelerating as BNP Paribas, Société Générale and Crédit Mutuel join forces to deploy these new generation distributors.
A unified interface that preserves your habits
The new ATMs are distinguished by their sober appearance, sporting the characteristic matte black of “Cash Services”. But this makeover hides a deeper revolution. The neutral interface at startup gives way to the familiar environment of your bank as soon as your card is inserted.
The company 2SF, manager of these new ATMs, does not intend to stop there. His ambition? Deploy more than 10,000 distributors on nearly 7,000 sites by 2026. A colossal investment of several hundred million euros per year which is reshaping the French banking landscape.
The end of banking deserts?
The reduction in the number of traditional distributors is worrying. However, innovative solutions are emerging. In Aigre, in Charente, Mayor Renaud Combaud took the lead. By collaborating with the Swedish company Loomis, the municipality installed its own distributor. Result ? Nearly 2,000 monthly uses and satisfied merchants who can maintain their card payment policy with a minimum purchase.
This local initiative illustrates a broader phenomenon. Cash couriers, traditionally limited to transporting money, are becoming major players in access to cash. Loomis, Euronet and Brink’s are now responding to calls for tenders from municipalities neglected by traditional banking agencies.
The French’s attachment to cash does not weaken. Despite the rise of mobile and contactless payments, demand for cash is increasing by 15% this year according to Compte Nickel. Average withdrawals in Aigre range between 80 and 90 euros, proof that cash remains a pillar of daily transactions.
The ongoing transformation responds to a dual challenge: maintaining access to cash while modernizing banking services. The 2SF consortium promises to preserve the level of service despite a reduction of approximately 30% in the total number of distributors. A rationalization which is accompanied by new functionalities and better geographical distribution.
- Traditional distributors are giving way to shared ATMs managed by 2SF, an initiative common to several large French banks
- New technologies like facial recognition will soon arrive in France
- Access to cash is being reinvented in rural areas thanks to innovative solutions such as mobile ATMs and partnerships with cash conveyors
