Top 5 Strategic Retail Partnerships and ATM Placement Trends Driving Foot Traffic in 2025
Retail Partnerships and ATM Placement Strategies
In 2025, the traditional brick-and-mortar bank branch is no longer the centerpiece of consumer banking. As fintech firms and financial institutions lean deeper into digital services, there remains one undeniable need—physical access to cash. Consumers still expect and rely on convenient, local access to ATMs, even in the age of mobile wallets and tap-to-pay.
This evolving landscape has prompted a noticeable shift: ATMs are moving out of bank buildings and into bustling retail environments. It’s a win-win model where retailers enjoy increased foot traffic and ATM operators tap into dense consumer flows. These partnerships have reshaped the conversation about accessibility, visibility, and service in the modern financial ecosystem.
One of the clearest examples of this trend is the partnership between mobile banking app Chime, ATM manufacturer NCR, and retail pharmacy giant Walgreens. Together, they rolled out over 4,000 ATMs across Walgreens stores in the United States. For Chime customers, this move provided instant access to cash in locations they already trusted and visited frequently. For Walgreens, it meant more store visits, more purchases, and enhanced service offerings—all without managing financial services themselves.
This kind of partnership is emblematic of a larger strategy: embed financial touchpoints within existing consumer routines, without the need for traditional bank branches. And this approach is catching on fast.
Maximizing Impact Through Strategic Placement
Today’s ATM strategy isn’t just about placing machines—it’s about positioning them for performance. Independent ATM deployers, fintech companies, and banks are all leveraging location intelligence and consumer behavior data to determine where ATMs will generate the most value.
Instead of focusing on financial districts or office parks, top-performing machines are now found inside 24/7 convenience stores, near the checkout counters of grocery chains, and at the entrances of big-box retailers. These are the spaces consumers frequent—often daily—and by being present in those locations, ATM operators ensure they remain relevant in an age of on-demand everything.
The key lies in recognizing the psychological draw of convenience. Customers are far more likely to use an ATM when it’s integrated into their routine. Need to pick up milk? Get cash while you’re at it. Stopping for gas? Withdraw funds in one go. It’s about meeting customers where they already are.
In fact, ATMs in locations with strong daily foot traffic can see two to three times the number of monthly transactions compared to those placed in isolated or legacy spots. That increase directly impacts profitability—both in surcharge revenue and in transaction-based fees from partner financial institutions.
Evolving Retail Environments and Shared Infrastructure
Not only are ATMs appearing in new spaces—they’re becoming smarter and more collaborative. The trend toward shared ATM networks is changing how financial institutions think about infrastructure. Rather than managing separate, brand-specific networks, banks can now plug into broader systems housed inside retail stores, allowing their customers to enjoy seamless access to funds without having to find a branded branch.
This shared model is especially effective in grocery stores, pharmacies, entertainment venues, and transportation hubs. In these places, banks reach customers at scale while reducing costs tied to ownership and maintenance. Consumers, meanwhile, enjoy broader, faster, and more convenient access to their money.
As this model continues to mature, we’re seeing more co-branded or white-labeled ATM installations, offering users access through familiar interfaces regardless of their primary bank. This signals a larger move toward democratized financial access, where the brand of the machine matters less than the experience and availability it delivers.
Functionality, Security, and the Modern ATM Experience
Today’s ATMs offer far more than simple withdrawals. Machines placed inside retail environments now deliver a suite of services—from bill payments and mobile top-ups to digital receipts and account inquiries. For both consumers and businesses, this expansion of capabilities transforms the ATM from a single-function device into a mini financial center.
Security also plays a pivotal role in retail placement. Unlike outdoor or isolated machines, ATMs located inside stores benefit from built-in safety infrastructure, including lighting, surveillance systems, and constant foot traffic. These factors not only deter tampering and fraud but also increase consumer comfort. Shoppers are more likely to trust an ATM that’s placed in a well-lit, familiar setting than one tucked away behind a gas station.
Retailers benefit too. A customer who stops in to use the ATM often ends up making a purchase—whether it’s a bottle of water or a few quick groceries. These microtransactions, scaled across a wide network, create substantial additional revenue. In this way, the ATM becomes more than just a service point—it’s a gateway to higher basket value and return visits.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ATM Deployment
As consumer expectations continue to evolve, so too must the ATM industry. What’s clear is that the old model of ATM placement is no longer sufficient. Successful operators are embracing smarter strategies that rely on real-time data, strategic partnerships, and a nuanced understanding of consumer habits.
The financial institutions that thrive in this new era will be those who view ATMs not as afterthoughts, but as integral extensions of their brand—positioned, placed, and presented with intention.
If your ATM company is looking to grow in 2025 and beyond, now is the time to rethink your placement strategy. Focus on foot traffic, prioritize safety and functionality, and most importantly, forge partnerships that align your goals with the daily lives of your customers.
After all, in a world of everywhere commerce, access matters. And the businesses that provide it—seamlessly and strategically—are the ones that will lead the charge.
