The Austrian National Bank (OeNB) announced a joint initiative with the Austrian Association of Municipalities to install up to 120 new OeNB cash withdrawal machines (ATMs) to address gaps in access to cash in rural areas. The first machine has been inaugurated in Obritzberg-Rust in Lower Austria. Over the next two years, the OeNB plans to deploy the machines primarily in rural municipalities that have neither an ATM nor a bank branch, are at a relatively long average distance from the nearest ATM, and have at least 500 residents. PSA Payment Services Austria GmbH will operate the machines, and the initiative is intended to provide nearby, fee-free access to cash. The first rollout tranche starts in July 2025, with 48 preselected municipalities having registered need. After an evaluation of this initial rollout, a further round is planned in which municipalities can submit applications, alongside a broader pipeline of interested communities already identified.
Austrian National Bank (OeNB) 2025-07-01
Austrian National Bank launches rollout of up to 120 new ATMs to close rural cash access gaps
The Austrian National Bank (OeNB) and the Austrian Association of Municipalities are launching an initiative to install up to 120 new cash withdrawal machines in rural areas to improve access to cash. The first machine has been inaugurated in Obritzberg-Rust, with PSA Payment Services Austria GmbH operating the machines. The initial rollout begins in July 2025, targeting 48 municipalities, with further expansion planned following evaluation.