Updated: ATM's Mandated for Every Settlement in Hungary
- 26 Mar 2025 6:46 AM
- Hungary Around the Clock
The government has announced in the Hungarian Gazette that at least one ATM must be installed in every municipality, under a resolution signed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The Economy Ministry has until April 30 to develop a cost model for implementation of the directive.
Currently, Hungary has 5,140 ATMs across 3,136 municipalities, but many smaller villages lack access to the cash dispensers, according to Pénzcentrum.
Banks typically place their ATMs in high-traffic areas, as installation and operating costs are significant.
If banks bear the costs, they may pass related expenses onto customers.
Minister Márton Nagy has suggested potential government intervention to manage financial impacts.
MTI Reports: Minister, banking leaders discuss expanding ATM network
Top officials of the Hungarian Banking Association have met with National Economy Minister Marton Nagy to discuss expanding the nationwide network of ATMs, the association said in a statement issued.
The association affirmed its commitment to boosting the geographical coverage of ATMs at the meeting and acknowledged constructive cooperation and a common will to boost economic growth.
The association also highlighted the importance of proportionality and pressed for foreign-based bank card issuers to participate in efforts to boost the availability of ATMs.
In a separate statement issued on Tuesday, the National Economy Ministry said the government welcomed the association's decision to ensure an ATM in every settlement with a population over 2,000 as a first step.
The government counts on banks' constructive cooperation to start bringing ATMs to every settlement with a population over 1,000 as the next step, it added.
The government aims to ensure an ATM in every settlement to support retention of rural populations, the ministry said.
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