Is that coming out of cash? Bank customers have to rethink now!

Is that coming out of cash? Bank customers have to rethink now!

Deutschland - In Germany, the situation around cash access continues. With the continued decline in the ATMs, the withdrawal of cash is increasingly difficult. The effects are particularly noticeable in rural regions, since the closures of bank branches and ATMs restrict the possibilities for cash withdrawals. op-online.de reports that the banks are increasingly promoting digital payment, which in particular older people without smartphones puts.

An important change is imminent: On June 30, 2025, the cooperation between the cash Group banks, which includes Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank and Postbank, and the Shell Group. This means that around 1,300 of the 2,000 shell petrol stations in Germany will no longer offer cash service in Germany. So far, customers of the banks mentioned have been able to withdraw up to 1,000 euros without a minimum order, which was particularly practical on public holidays or weekends. The cash service at these petrol stations is now being discontinued, a decision that is based on banks with a "strategic realignment". Critics, however, see this an aggressive business policy that, above all, disadvantages the technically less experienced users, such as Derwesten.de

Alternatives for cash withdrawal

In order to counter the decreasing availability of cash, Postbank introduced a new “cash code” as early as autumn 2024. With this code, customers can withdraw cash from over 12,500 participating retailers. Deutsche Bank also plans to offer a similar product by the end of 2025. These changes should simplify the withdrawal of cash, but could be problematic, especially for older citizens who have difficulties with smartphone apps.

The current developments are in the context of a broader analysis of cash availability in Germany. According to a study by the Bundesbank, it can be seen that the average distance from the nearest cash reference points is 1.4 kilometers, while in rural regions there is a distance of two kilometers. In addition, the accessibility of cash reference points in urban areas is significantly better than in the country. About 95.3 % of the population live within a radius of five kilometers to a withdrawal, but the perception of access to cash has deteriorated. The proportion of people who find access as difficult has increased from 6 % (2021) to 15 % (2023) in recent years. bundesbank.de documents these trends and the worrying developments, after and after Influence cash supply in the population.

permanent challenges for cash users

The current changes in cash access are particularly problematic for older people who do not have smartphones. In the course of the digital transformation, this population group could be excluded even more from the withdrawal of cash. The development leads to a growing gap between the less technology -savvy users and the increasingly digitized banking services.

The situation illustrates the need to find solutions in order to give all citizens access to cash, regardless of technological skills or living situation. With the upcoming changes, in particular the setting of the cash service to Shell petrol stations, each one will have to rethink their options for cash withdrawal.