Stronger Federal Penalties for ATM Crimes Will Help Keep Consumers, Deployers and Law Enforcement Safer

Protecting access to cash means protecting the ATM infrastructure that communities across the country depend on. That’s why ATMIA and its members remain committed to advocating for stronger protections for ATMs, the businesses that operate them, and the consumers who rely on them every day.

The Safe Access to Cash Act (S. 3798/H.R. 1631) is a critical part of that effort. ATMIA has been working alongside its members, law enforcement, and policymakers to build awareness and support for legislation that would give law enforcement the federal tools needed to better address organized criminal activity targeting ATMs.

That work continues to gain momentum. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr recently led a 15-state coalition of attorneys general in calling on Congress to pass the Safe Access to Cash Act. Read the letter here. The effort was spearheaded by ATMIA member NCR Atleos, whose leadership has helped bring greater attention to the need for stronger protections for ATMs and the communities they serve.

The support from Attorney General Carr and his fellow attorneys general reinforces what ATMIA and our members have been advocating: a strong federal backstop is needed to effectively combat organized and interstate ATM crime. ATMIA will continue collaborating with our members and partners to advance the Safe Access to Cash Act and help move this important legislation toward passage.

Currently, federal law provides strong penalties for robberies involving banks and financial institutions, but it does not provide the same consistent protection for ATMs, particularly those located away from bank branches. The Safe Access to Cash Act would modernize the Federal Bank Robbery Act of 1934 to ensure crimes involving off-site and standalone ATMs can be prosecuted as federal offenses, including those located at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, malls, and other community locations.

As this effort moves forward, ATMIA’s Government Relations Committee (GRC) continues to play a central role in shaping strategy, engaging policymakers, and coordinating industry advocacy. The GRC brings together members from across the ATM ecosystem to ensure the industry speaks with a unified and informed voice on issues affecting cash access and ATM security.

ATMIA encourages both members and non-members to get involved. Contact your senators and representatives and encourage them to support and co-sponsor the Safe Access to Cash Act. Your voice matters, and together, we can help ensure that ATMs—and the communities that depend on them—are better protected for the future.

Best regards,
David