There are some major ATM trends on the horizon for 2026, according to original KAL and ATM Marketplace data from the 2025/26 ATM Software Trends Report. Hundreds of global ATM professionals shared their perspectives through our survey and one-to-one interviews. Here are just a few of the big-picture trends that emerged.
ATMs are increasingly important for customers and banks
The ATM gained mass popularity decades ago and, much like the TV or telephone, has since evolved with ‘smart’ technologies - continually standing the test of time.
Rising ATM usage and transaction demand
Today, ATM usage is rising according to 58% of banks with ATM networks. In our 2025/26 survey, banks identified high customer activity from Generation X (aged 45-60) and weekly / monthly ATM visits as key trends.
70% of banks observed rising customer demand for ATM cash deposits, making this service one of the hottest transaction types to watch in 2026 – along with NFC support and mobile-integration.
A new surge in ATM reliance
ATMs play an increasingly critical role in how banks function and deliver services. According to our survey, 51% of banks say their reliance on ATMs has grown (compared to 31% in 2024/25). Factors like branch transformation, cost optimization and cash access are contributing to this dynamic.
Thoughts from ATM industry colleagues in Spain and Ireland
We have observed that ATMs have evolved from being mere cash dispensers to becoming advanced self-service channels that complement both digital and physical banking…Banks are also using ATMs to absorb basic transactional operations, freeing up branch capacity for more consultative services.Multinational financial services professional, Spain
I think recent outages in channels of various banks’ payment technologies have reinforced customer perceptions that cash is a technology-independent payment system, and thus more reliable…
Commercial bank professional, Ireland
How do you think ATM reliance will evolve in 2026 and beyond?
Physical and digital: ATMs between worlds
The ATM experience has always been physical - from travelling to a machine to waiting in line, pressing the buttons and handling cash.
‘ATM near me’ is still one of the top ATM-related topics in online search engines each year – accounting for millions of customer queries in the US alone. However, as digital convenience continues to reshape daily life, modern ATMs are delivering evolved practicality for customers.
The future of ATMs is ‘phygital’
ATMs occupy a unique ‘phygital’ space - acting as a single, self-service touchpoint for physical money and digital banking. This shift means reduced costs and streamlined operations for banks while bringing customers greater choice and control in a competitive landscape.
Some key facts from our 2025/26 ATM Software Trends report:
- Contactless support is the #1 way banks are digitally aligning ATMs
- Demand for mobile integrated ATMs is rising for 63% of banks
- 40% have recently implemented cross-channel ATM experiences
Thoughts from industry colleagues in Mexico and Turkey
ATMs should have as much functionality as apps, with the advantage of cash management, both for receiving and recirculating.
Financial services professional, Mexico
Interaction and switching between channels play a critical role here. By quickly connecting mobile apps to ATMs using QR codes, customers can access the interaction they need via mobile devices, and transactions can be completed quickly and with targeted focus at ATMs, where resources are limited.Commercial bank professional, Turkey
How do you think 'phygital' experiences will evolve at the ATM next?
While digital transformation is opening up exciting possibilities for ATM innovation, there are times where the daily operational demands of ATM networks can leave banks with little room to explore the future.
Turning back-end ATM outsourcing into customer-facing benefits
Rising costs, advancing technologies and changing industry requirements are motivating many organizations to rethink how they manage daily ATM operations.
Finding new efficiencies in full ATM network outsourcing
According to our 2025/26 survey, 19% of banks are leveraging full ATM network outsourcing (ATM-as-a-Service), while a further 24% plan to do so within the next two years.
Managing ATM operations via a third-party provider can be an excellent way to:
- Maximize ATM uptime and performance
- Accelerate the development and rollout of new ATM services
- Gain streamlined access to emerging technologies
- Reduce costs and free up focus to enhance the customer experience
Taking a broader look at the trend for managed services, the most popular outsourced ATM functions are currently hardware maintenance, cash management and operational monitoring.
Thoughts from industry colleagues in the USA and the UK
If the FI prioritizes pure direct P&L, outsourcing is more appealing. You are able to dramatically reduce headcount, so your bottom line is impacted immediately. The drawback is, if you are not satisfied with the services and want to bring it back in house, hiring could be challenging.
Credit union professional, USA
We have full ATM-as-a-Service deployed and are definitely an advocate for the approach. It provides us with cost savings as well as being able to draw on industry expertise. I expect more FIs to follow suit in the UK as they see the benefits that specialization provides.
Multinational financial services professional, UK
How are outsourced ATM services transforming ATM operations and attitudes towards ATM management in your region?
Personalization: Putting more self in self-service
Online experiences delivered via personal devices like smartphones have acclimatized customers to high levels of personalization that they expect from all other channels.
Preference-driven ATM experiences
Banks are leveraging customer interaction patterns and insights to make ATM services more personal – exploring tailored offers, user interfaces, and transaction flows. There is a lot of excitement around AI for this purpose.
Consider what banks know – or should know – about their most loyal customers. Why ask the customer who’s taken out $200 in $20 bills every other week for the last seven years what language they speak or if they would like that receipt? Shouldn’t we know what language they prefer and that they never want a receipt?
Steve Hensley, KAL EVP of Sales and Marketing
Giving customers more opportunities at the ATM
Another aspect of personalization we shouldn’t forget is choice. Expanded ATM functionality maximizes the usefulness of ATMs by offering customers a larger menu of transactions and services. This approach helps customers to tailor each ATM experience around their own goals and preferences.
Some banks are taking ATM services to very innovative places – from off-us cash deposits in Czechia to ATM-driven music and sports ticket purchases in Paraguay.
Discover more 2026 ATM trends
This article is just the beginning. For a more comprehensive view of the ATM landscape - including the technologies, customer behaviors and industry attitudes that are driving change, check out our free 2025/26 ATM Software Trends Report.
We have the latest insights on trending ATM services and evolving user demographics, along with more technical topics like Windows 11 adoption, alternative operating systems and XFS4IoT.
Gain actionable knowledge for your 2026 strategy – read the full report.