ATM operators are meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to advocate for cash access legislation, including the Payment Choice Act and the Safe Access to Cash Act.
Every year, our industry has the opportunity to do something most businesses rarely get the chance to do.
We get to walk into the halls of Congress and explain directly to lawmakers why access to cash still matters.
On April 14–15, 2026, leaders from across the ATM industry will travel to Washington, D.C. for the ATMIA USA Washington Fly-In, where operators will meet face-to-face with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss legislation that impacts how Americans access and use their money.
ATM UP is proud to support this year’s event, and I’ll be heading back to Capitol Hill with my wife, Stephanie, and my son, Giuseppe. We first made the trip to Washington together during an advocacy visit with the National ATM Council, and we’re proud to continue supporting the industry’s voice.
But this trip isn’t about politics.
It’s about protecting choice for consumers and ensuring access to cash remains part of the American financial system.
Why advocacy matters in the ATM industry
Most people don’t think about ATMs until they need one.
But for millions of Americans, ATMs are part of everyday financial life. They provide access to cash in grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, bars, hotels, and communities across the country.
For many people, especially the unbanked and underbanked, ATMs are a critical connection to the financial system.
And when policies are written in Washington that affect how cash is accessed, stored, or accepted, those policies impact the real businesses and communities we serve every day.
That’s why industry advocacy matters.
When operators show up and share real experiences from the field, policymakers gain a much clearer understanding of how financial infrastructure actually works.
Two key bills supporting access to cash
This year, the industry will be advocating for two important pieces of legislation designed to protect access to cash and payment choice across the United States.
The Payment Choice Act (H.R. 1138)
The Payment Choice Act of 2025 is designed to ensure that consumers can continue to use cash for everyday purchases.
In simple terms, the bill would require most physical retail businesses to accept U.S. cash for in-person transactions.
Why does this matter?
Because more businesses are moving toward card-only or app-only payment systems, which can exclude millions of Americans who rely on cash.
The Payment Choice Act helps protect:
- Consumer payment choice
- Financial inclusion for unbanked and underbanked individuals
- Privacy for consumers who prefer not to track every purchase digitally
- Resilience during outages when digital payment systems fail
Cash remains a vital part of the economy and this legislation helps ensure consumers continue to have the option to use it.
The Safe Access to Cash Act (H.R. 1631)
The second bill focuses on protecting the infrastructure that allows people to access cash in the first place.
The Safe Access to Cash Act of 2025 – often referred to in the industry as the ATM Crime Bill – clarifies how ATMs, and the cash inside them, are treated under federal law.
The legislation helps establish clear legal responsibility for ATMs connected to financial institutions, even when those machines are located off-site in places like grocery stores, gas stations, or retail locations.
That clarity matters.
Without it, uncertainty around legal responsibility could discourage financial institutions from supporting ATM networks, ultimately reducing access to cash for consumers.
The bill also addresses the growing wave of organized crime targeting ATM infrastructure and the operators who service these machines.
Momentum in Washington
Industry advocacy is already making an impact.
Just last week, the Safe Access to Cash Act passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, an important milestone. Progress like this doesn’t happen overnight.
Organizations like the National ATM Council (NAC) played an important role in drafting and championing the legislation, while operators across the country have continued sharing real-world examples of the challenges they face in the field.
And that’s exactly why the industry continues showing up in Washington.
When the people who operate the infrastructure speak directly with lawmakers, policymakers gain the insight they need to make better decisions.
And that benefits businesses, communities, and consumers across the country.
If you care about protecting access to cash, consider joining us in Washington.
You can learn more and sign up here:
https://www.atmia.com/news/youre-invited-protect-payment-choice-advocate-in-dc/23962/
