Automated teller machines (ATMs) will be installed in 207 new locations in Belgium by the end of 2025, under an agreement announced on Friday between the federal government, the Belgian financial sector federation, Febelfin, and the Batopin network.
In 2027, some 4,000 ATMs will be distributed throughout the country, “more harmoniously than today,” according to Economy Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne, who signed the agreement with Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem and Secretary of State for Consumer Protection Alexia Bertrand.
In urban areas, ATMs that are due to disappear will either be retained or replaced. Guarantees have been obtained concerning the maintenance or creation of 80 ATMs in strategic locations. The aim is in particular to solve the problem of accessibility and queues at ATMs, especially in the Brussels region.
Furthermore, free operations will no longer be limited to the ATMs of the consumer’s own banking institution: the consumer will be able to make 24 free withdrawals per year from any ATM, regardless of its location.
Finally, the agreement specifies that at least one out of two Batopin ATMs will have a deposit function, “which is particularly important for retailers and the liberal professions,” according to the ministers.
Batopin (for Belgian ATM OPtimization INitiative) is a network of neutral cash points, supported by the Belfius, BNP Paribas Fortis, ING and KBC banks. It has so far completed about 49% of the roll-out of its 2,240 cash points scheduled until the end of 2024.
