"All existing ATMs must be operated, no decommissioning!" - Hungary's EcoMin

ATMs in every settlement! We have decided: all existing ATMs must be operated, no decommissioning!

Nagy posted on his Facebook page.

The government aims to have at least one ATM in every settlement in Hungary. Details of the government's decision have not yet been made public, and Nagy has been given until 30 April to draw up the regulations.

According to the central bank's (MNB) statistics, there were 5,140 ATMs in Hungary at the end of 2024, while the number of ATMs operated by banks is currently estimated at around 4,400.

In order to have at least one ATM in every village, we estimate that

the banking sector needs to install at least 2,000 new ATMs.

This could cost around HUF 12-16 billion initially if banks buy the simpler, cheaper machines. Then there are the costs of operation, maintenance and cash logistics.

Cover photo (for illustration purposes only): Getty Images