Cardtronics Rolls Out Cardless ATMs
"The use of QR code technology negates the need for costly ATM hardware upgrades."
Thousands of Cardtronics ATMs across the country are now officially cardless, and thousands more will become cardless in coming months, according to the Houston, Texas-based ATM operator.
The company said it completed integration with FIS Cardless Cash on 11,000 ATMs and had plans to convert another 8,000 over the next several months. The changes allow members to withdraw cash by using the FIS Mobile Banking app, which communicates with the ATMs. The process allows people to avoid having to insert a plastic card in the ATMs.
Cardtronics operates approximately 227,000 ATMS across 10 countries. It also runs the Allpoint Network.
“The beauty of Cardless Cash is that consumers can just use the mobile phones in their hands, no card required. The use of QR code technology negates the need for costly ATM hardware upgrades,” Cardtronics EVP of Allpoint Solutions Brad Nolan said.
According to Cardtronics, customers use the FIS Mobile Banking app as a remote control for the ATM. Through the app, they can pre-order a cash withdrawal. When the customer arrives at the ATM, he or she selects “Cardless Cash” from the ATM menu and then uses a smartphone to scan an ATM-generated QR code. The ATM then dispenses the cash, and the app displays the withdrawal receipt.
“Many of the banking institutions we serve use Cardless Cash on their own ATMs and are interested in making available to their accountholders a cardless withdrawal option via the Cardtronics retail ATM network, including our strategic Allpoint Network FI partners,” Cardtronics EVP and Managing Director, North America Brian Bailey said. “They recognize that simplifying accountholders’ lives and enhancing security helps fortify customer relationships.”
The 11,000 Cardtronics ATMs that currently offer cardless capabilities are at 66 different retailers across the country, the company said.
“We’re pleased with the progress that has been made in integrating FIS Cardless Cash across the Cardtronics ATM network,” FIS head of Digital and Banking Rob Lee said. “For FIS customers, this partnership extends the channels available for Cardless Cash as these Cardtronics ATMs also participate in the FIS NYCE Payments Network.”
In December, Cardtronics released an online survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, which found that 73% of consumers used cash regularly, two-thirds said laws and ordinances should restrict retailers and restaurants from rejecting cash payments, and 65% said they would rather receive cash than a P2P transaction if a friend owed them money. However, less than a third of all respondents said they had used a mobile device to make a digital payment at a physical retail store, according to the study.