ATM Transaction Database

Introduction:
ATMs, of course, are an established part of the payments landscape. But ATMs do not
represent a payments type per se; rather, they are an electronic means of dispensing cash.
They offer a convenient alternative to more traditional dispensers, such as bank tellers
and automobile drive-through facilities.
Significant, even dramatic, changes are reshaping the ATM industry, including heavy
consolidation and a decline in the number of ATM networks. Yet, the industry remains
diverse. National networks have gained in importance but operate alongside many regional
networks. Networks have expanded during the last 20 years, yielding economies of scale for
the networks and increased convenience for ATM customers. Installation of off-premise
ATMs in recent years has not only improved consumer convenience, but has expanded
business opportunities for nonbank ATM operators as well as for ATM networks.
This chapter reviews important recent changes in transaction volume, terminal growth,
terminal functionality, industry structure, and industry pricing.