Many ATM entrepreneurs consistently used WorldPay’s Portal site before the company was acquired by a U.S. fintech group, Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), back in 2019. According to CNBC, The company was sold for around $35 billion, the biggest deal to date in the booming payments industry.
Slight changes started to roll in on the site. And, changes occurred in how ATM Operators were managing their TIDs. However, since then, ATM owners and operators have still had access to reporting on the site. Unfortunately, this is coming to an end.
The last day to pull data from your WorldPay Portal is February 21, 2020. Once the portal shuts down, you will no longer be able to access any reports or transaction histories. So, grab what you need!
It’s strongly advised that you pull any reports—such as Month End Statements, Merchant Statements, and Settlement Reporting—BEFORE THIS DATE.
Why Should I Pull My ATM Reports?
Is it required? No. But, it’s a good idea to keep historical data. You never know when you might need to refer back to previous transactions for trends, reference, or for future tax or business purposes. It can’t hurt. So, why not?
Remember, after February 21st you’ll no longer have the option, so grab them now.
How Do I Pull My ATM Reports from WorldPay Portal?
There are many reports that you can pull from the WorldPay Portal before the permanent shutdown. The three main reports you may want to pull are:
Month End Statements – Shows complete transaction data and settlement totals selected for each month
Merchant Statements – Shows complete transaction data and settlement totals for each merchant
Settlement Reporting – Confirm your settlement deposit amounts by selecting a date range by week or month, then view the settlement amounts deposited into the bank account each day.
1. How to Pull My Month End Statements
Terminal Reports > Transaction Reporting > Terminal Statement > Choose Date > Press “OK” > Want to Print? Scroll down to “Printer Friendly Version” > Report shows in PopUp “Printable Terminal Statement” > Hit “Ctrl + P” (* Note: May have to accept pop-ups on your computer from Worldpay.com)
2. How to Download My Merchant Statements
Terminal Reports > Transaction Reporting > Merchant Summary by Terminal > Choose Date > Press “OK” > Report shows in PopUp “ReportPDF” (* Note: May have to accept pop-ups on your computer from Worldpay.com)
3. How to Pull My Settlement Reporting
Terminal Reports > Transaction Reporting > Daily Terminal Activity > Choose Date Range (best to select by month; the report cannot be more than 40 days) > Press “Submit” > Report is submitted to you via email (at your user email address)
What’s Next?
At this moment, nothing is actually changing. Why? Because most IADs have already moved over to review their terminals using new portals. Luckily, we’ve all known that the WorldPay Portal would be shutting down soon, we just didn’t know when.
If you’ve already started to use your new portal account, after pulling your reports, you may return to using your new dashboard.
If your terminals haven’t been moved from WorldPay to another portal yet, contact us and let us know. We may be able to help you get you access to a brand new portal dashboard.
https://i0.wp.com/atmdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/How-to-Pull-Reports-Before-the-WorldPay-Portal-Shutdown.png?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800JMichellehttps://atmdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ATM-Depot-Logo.pngJMichelle2020-02-18 12:18:102020-02-28 14:09:33How to Pull Reports Before the WorldPay Portal Shutdown
Merchants and Consumers are Choosing Cash Over Credit
From Transaction World Magazine – Volume 1, Issue 6 – Cover Story 2001
The customer has spoken. More than ever, cash is king.
A cautions economy, the high cost of credit and the growth of the ATM industry have spurred a purchasing revolution. As a natural occurrence, customers are moving from credit card purchases to debit cards as their preferred payment method. According to a MasterCard consumer segmentation study, among people that use both credit and debit cards, debit cards are used more than five more often 5.9 times per month vs 5.1 times per month for credit cards.
In a reverse of financial trends a decade ago, many experts believe the credit card industry is showing stagnant growth. By contrast, the booming ATM Marketplace is finding its machines in an unprecedented number of locations. In fact, a recent Nielsen report predicts that by the Year 2005, the number of ATMs will double from 1997 numbers. For bank card ISOs, this presents not only a challenge but also a significant opportunity.
ISOs and Merchants alike are finding that ATMs mean sales. Credit union industry experts estimate that more than 60 billion consumer transactions flowed over ATMs in the year 2000 and the customers are using this platform more than any other Financial Service delivery point. At the same time, trade Publications in the restaurant, quick-serve, hospitality, and convenience store Industries report that ATMs increase foot traffic, boost per visit spending, cut down on check fraud and reduce credit card fees.
Statistics tell the story. In the restaurant industry, for example, Association reports show that colon
ATMs increase traffic up to 30% and increase per visit sales 10% to 20%.
Up to 80% of cash obtained at ATMs in host bars and restaurants is spent on site.
At Quick Serve restaurants, we’ve seen the average check increase up to 58%.
In addition, experts predict that demand for kiosk ATMs will grow exponentially as the population of Internet Savvy, self-service oriented customers grows. An August 2000 overview by Dove Consulting observes that consumers under 55 are particularly likely to use ATMs and are “completely comfortable conducting ATM transactions”
The evolution of a revolution
On the downside of the ATM opportunity, even the industry’s most ardent supporters admit that it has had its share of unscrupulous dealers. Salesman with an eye to make a quick buck often promised outrageous returns while failing to deliver on those promises. Other abuses resulted in customer service nightmares through the place of undependable equipment. While some of those businesses still exist —and need to be warned about — you can find ATM specialist firms that are sophisticated, dependable partners.
The strongest ATM organizations are those with solid institution affiliations. The scrutiny, Financial backing and network capabilities offered by these relationships established an unprecedented level of professionalism. At the same time, ATM companies with strong ISO support have become increasingly attractive to banks, which recognize the need to penetrate markets and establish quality representation in the field.
Business stability and financial reliability within the ATM industry have accelerated the acceptance of merchant ATMs as has the proven recurring income stream generated by ATMs. However, recognizing the competitiveness within the ATM industry has increasingly demanded a higher level of ISO accountability, profits, service, and support. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), Internet-accessible transaction report, fast lease approvals, and equipment installations, as well as capabilities to accept cards from major networks, are common expectations.
ISOs have had to rely on solid corporate relationships in order to deliver on these demands and still generate significant returns.
ATMs have also proliferated because manufacturers have built machines to be easy loading, secure, reliable and virtually maintenance-free. In addition, the size of the equipment has decreased and lease/purchase costs have come down; the newest machines have footprints smaller than two square feet and pay for themselves with as few as four swipes per day!
ISO Opportunity
While ATMs have boomed, experts predict there’s still plenty of room for growth. Certainly, independent stores remain a strong ATM market. But you can also expect ATMs to pop up in nontraditional locations. . .tennis courts to courthouses, beauty parlors to bingo parlors. In addition, there’s a growing interest in system branding, where companies such as McDonald’s, major hotel chains, American Express, Safeway and Winn Dixie install ATMs reflecting their unique corporate identities.
At the same time, ATM fees are also becoming widely accepted. Market research tracks that younger users are much more willing to incur charges for the conveniences provided by ATMs. And as technology continues to expand ATM capabilities and deliver new services to consumers, one can easily predict that additional features will translate into additional usage… and additional residual income to boot! For the ISO, ATMs dispense opportunity. Because if cash is king, ATMs are the keys to the treasury.
Choosing the Right Partner [Still holds true today – in 2020]
Choosing the right ATM company is crucial to the success of an ISO. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure your partner is a strong organization.
Financial Strength
Is your ATM company affiliated with a major financial institution? Has that institution supported technology development and system upgrades?
[2020 update – Yes, ATMDepot aligned itself with several major institutions that have all supported technology and continue to look to the future. Noah Wieder wrote this article almost 20 years ago and the future is today!]
Track Record
Who are the ATM company’s customers? Can you talk to affiliated ISOs and merchants for references? [2020 update – ATMDepot runs one of the most active ATM Entrepreneur groups on Facebook. You can join and talk to many of our customers and affiliated IADs as well as read reviews online. Want to talk to one of our customers, no problem, just ask and we’ll be happy to give you as many references as you want].
Responsiveness
Are approvals handled in a timely manner, creating a quick turnaround between the time a lease is signed, a machine is installed and when you get paid? [2020 update – very few ATMs are leased since pricing has come down to less than 1/2 of what they were almost 20 years ago. Machines are typically shipped within 5 – 7 business days of order].
Program Scalability
Can your ATM company provide service to any size merchant, from single locations to hundreds of sites? [2020 update – of course ATMDepot can. We manage thousands of ATMs. From single store owner locations to multi-family routes run by some of the best IADs in the country!]
Support
Is there a dedicated sales support team for distributors? Are problems handled promptly? Are machines kept operative? [2020 update – Absolutely. We wouldn’t still be here if we didn’t. ATMDepot has been helping ATM business owners since 2003 and Noah Wieder is the Owner!]
Reporting
Will you have ongoing Internet access to daily activity reports? Are detailed statements provided? Are residuals tracked and paid in a time1y manner? [2020 update – of course, Noah Wieder wrote this article almost 20 years ago and still maintains all of the important partner qualities that he looks for and provides to all ATMDepot customers – IADs and Merchants alike.]
ATM Factoids [unable to verify these same stats in 2020, however, the first one is close, unsure about the next two]
The typical ATM customer spends 20%—-25% more than a non-ATM customer.
40% of regular ATM users use the ATM an average of ten times per month.
60% of Americans 25-34 years old and 51% of Americans 25-49 years old use ATMs eight times a month and withdraw an average of $55 each time.
How Much Does it Cost?
The average cost of various payment methods (based on time to make a payment, backroom time to prepare deposits, bank charges and other charges such as collection fees) are as follows [from 2001]
On August 11, 2017, two criminals drove their SUV up to a Gas Station ATM Kiosk with a plan. They planned to execute an ATM robbery by blowing up the ATM with some sort of liquid explosive. It is clear from this video, it’s not the first time they are attempting this. They are wanted by the FBI. The authorities were very excited to see the quality of our security footage.
Authorities at the Crime Scene of the ATM Robbery in San Diego, CA
When you start using explosives on an ATM, you attract a lot of attention. You get the local police, sheriffs, SWAT, the Bomb Squad, ATF, and the FBI involved. That’s a lot of manpower hunting you down.
These guys are wanted by the FBI. It’s not just a local crime. Is a few grand worth having to hide and run for the rest of your life? I don’t think so.
The suspects think they got away with it. However, as time will tell, and with the help of this HD video, and the enhancement tools Federal Law Enforcement agencies have available, they will most likely do time behind bars for this ATM robbery. Maybe they will save all the money they stole to pay for their lawyer. They will need it.
I’ve been in the ATM business since 1994. Since then, I’ve helped hundreds of Independent ATM Deployers (IAD’s) start, run, and maintain successful ATM businesses. I’ve personally sold or installed hundreds and hundreds of ATM machines. I currently manage thousands of machines and hundreds of thousands of ATM transactions nationwide and I’ve never, ever seen anything like this.
This location has been a customer of ours for over a decade. We’ve never had any issue until we installed a new kiosk. While this small kiosk does not appear to be bomb proof, the old kiosk building we used previously onsite was. Unfortunately for us the gas station – car wash is undergoing a remodel and needed to demolish the building, so we had to move the ATM to the other side of the parking lot.
In order not to inhibit the authority’s investigation, we won’t go into the details of what the authorities knew in this article.
However, now that we know all the details we can help others.
So, if you plan to install a kiosk and you are one of our customers (or want to be), please contact our office for some additional help.
We learned an expensive lesson, so we hope to use it to educate our customers.
ATM Depot can certainly help you avoid the same fate. We thought we prepared for every security scenario but they proved us wrong on this one. The key is that we learned an awful lot from this and can now assist our customers even better when dealing with outdoor ATMs.
**** UPDATE ****
September 28, 2017
After many calls between the account manager, Jeremy, and the FBI and ATF, on this situation, we learned that the authorities were able to issue a subpoena at the home of Scott Michael Petri. We are not sure how all this went down but we speculate that the FBI was able to leverage the information obtained in the video of the ATM robbery. According to law enforcement, one of the suspects bragged to a confidential informant about the crime. Upon serving a subpoena at the suspects home, the Law enforcement authorities say they found a drill, a gas cylinder, clothing and other incriminating evidence in his home that matched the items in the surveillance video during the crime.
Court documents allege (and video shows) Petri used a cordless drill to make two holes in the ATM machine’s housing. A second unidentified suspect (now in custody) approached the ATM with an open flame (see video, looks like a cigarette) and lit a fuse. The suspects drove to the other side of the gas station and the ATM exploded. See the entire ATM robbery (edited for time) in the video above.
The suspect (circled) is searching for the cash box after the ATM robbery explosion
Scott Michael Petri faces a charge of using an explosive to damage property relating to a robbery at the Chevron Station and Pit Stop Car Wash on Miramar Road just south of the 15 Freeway entrance. The suspect was picked up and booked on October 5th and transferred into Federal custody and is being held in the Federal Prison in Downtown San Diego by the ATF. Bail has been set at $250,000.
Public arrest records for Scott Michael Petri. One of the suspects in the ATM robbery.
https://atmdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ATM-Depot-Logo.png00JMichellehttps://atmdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ATM-Depot-Logo.pngJMichelle2017-10-26 10:46:332024-12-05 20:56:32[VIDEO] Explosives Used to Break into Machine during ATM Robbery, Thieves Caught on HD Camera
Did you know that there are over 451,500 ATMs in the US as of 2023, and fewer than half of them are owned by banks? The majority are owned by people like you and me.
ATMs are very profitable businesses because there are only a few overhead expenses. The barrier to entering the ATM business is low since you don’t need employees, a storefront, or rental space, and there is a low startup investment.
The best part is you can manage your ATM business from home on your own schedule. Are you ready to get started?
Follow these 7 basic steps to set the foundation for starting an ATM business to ensure maximum potential for success:
1. Learn as much as possible before starting your ATM Business:
One of the biggest mistakes people often make when learning how to start an ATM business is just jumping right in and buying an ATM machine off some website without knowing how the business works.
» Instead of watching a bunch of random YouTube videos or getting advice from random Facebook groups about starting an ATM Business, consider buying a book that outlines how to start an ATM business so you understand all the principles. That’s the least expensive and fastest way to learn.
» If you’re more of a hands-on learner, at least a book about the ATM Business will give you the principles and an overview.
» Suppose you prefer to watch videos to jump-start your ATM Business and avoid costly mistakes. In that case, we offer a Professional ATM Membership with a complete ATM Business training program with 60+ videos, resources, and many other perks, including Noah Wieder’s audiobook.
2. Choose the Best Locations for Your ATMs:
Location is one of the most important factors in the success of your ATM business. Consider your own experience to narrow down potential locations.
» Have you ever needed an ATM and couldn’t find one nearby? Where were you? The obvious prime locations are busy shopping and high-traffic locations that prefer cash, but it’s also good to think outside the box.
» Consider your local fairgrounds, street fairs, events, parks where food trucks frequent, or sports venues. Think of places where people don’t tend to accept credit cards, like farmers’ markets, pumpkin patches, Christmas tree farms, or even craft shows for great temporary ATM locations. ATM Trailers and mobile ATMs are great for these.
» Normal retail locations are also good but think about stores that prefer cash tips, like tattoo shops, barbershops, nail salons, etc. We’ve even installed ATMs in large manufacturing plants and factories or warehouses with hundreds of employees, especially if there is a cafeteria or other local restaurants nearby that prefer cash.
3. Research and Negotiate with Venue Owners:
Before picking out the ideal location, do your research. Spend a little time in the area checking out the foot traffic. If you want to ensure the street is busy, look online at traffic data.
» After you’ve picked out a spot, it’s time to talk to the store or venue owners. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking a store owner if they want a Free ATM machine. The convenience of an ATM benefits you, the store owner, and the shopper. Who wouldn’t want one nearby?
4. Develop a Solid Business Plan:
Every successful business starts with a business plan. This plan includes the location of your machine and how you will be investing in your venture.
» For instance, how much are you looking to invest in a machine? The ATM machine itself can cost between $2,000 and $5,000. If that is more than you were looking to invest in your ATM Business to start, there’s no need to worry. Many new ATM business operators use a zero-interest promotional credit card to pay for their first ATM. You can get 12 – 18 months of no interest so you have time to ramp up the transactions and use the surcharge fees you collect to make the payments.
» Once you are familiar with the different ATMs, you can check local classifieds and Facebook groups for used or preferably refurbished machines with a warranty.
» A business plan needs to consider these and several other factors, including the cost of start-up, maintenance, time invested, return on investment, and so on. Our Professional ATM Business Training covers all this.
5. Choose the Right ATM Processor, ISO, or Sub-ISO to Help You:
Your ATM machine is a transaction machine. So, who will process these ATM transactions? You can use an ATM Processor, ISO, or Sub-ISO. Let’s examine the differences:
» An ATM Processor like CDS, FIS, Core, Switch, and many others are large ATM and other financial transaction processing companies that typically work with a large ISO.
» Sub-ISO is also an independent sales organization but is often contracted with an ISO or several ISOs to manage IADs (Independent ATM Deployers) that own and operate a local ATM route.
» IAD stands for Independent ATM Deployer. As a new ATM Business, you would work with an ISO or Sub-ISO and contract as a new IAD to process your transactions.
» ISO, Sub-IOS, and IADs can all contract with local merchants to help them with their ATM needs. A local merchant can also own and operate their ATM instead of having a free placement. However, these days, many merchants prefer to outsource the ATM Business.
» We recommend you review organizations before making your pick. Each one will have different transaction fees or monthly fees, as well as reporting, statements, bank sponsorship, service, and support, so you will want to choose the one that best fits your business plan.
» Be prepared to sign an agreement to become an official ATM Business and have a contract to show your banker. If you are talking to an ATM Company that wants a lengthy contract you aren’t ready to commit to, simply move on to another company until you find one you are comfortable with.
» ATMDepot.com has specialized in helping brand-new ATM Business operators for more than two decades and offers very favorable terms because we know what it’s like to start an ATM Business.
6. Consider Safety and Convenience When Stocking Your ATMs:
There are two factors to consider when deciding who will stock (aka Vault) your ATM machine: safety and convenience.
» Considering safety, depending on the neighborhood where your ATMs are located and how many you have and load, you may want to work with an ATM company that can coordinate and manage third-party private vaulter or armored car cash services should you ever need them.
» You may not need to take the same precautions for small locations or events, especially if you only plan to operate a few ATMs.
» Convenience should also be considered when it comes to stocking your machine. Consider the other responsibilities you have to tend to on a given day. Does your schedule allow time for restocking? If it does, you can save money by restocking your ATM. If you need more time, simply hire a reliable company to do it for you. Also, remember that stocking your machine with your cash is the most profitable way to manage your ATM business, but it’s not the only way.
7. Should you get ATM Insurance?
When you’ve got a machine full of money, you may want to consider getting ATM insurance. But it depends on how secure the location is and what other security options might be cheaper.
» There are only two reputable companies that offer ATM insurance, but most new ATM Operators prefer to self-insure since insurance costs often exceed the cost of replacement. ATM theft happens, but it’s rare.
» A standard business liability policy is a wiser choice. If you decide on an ATM insurance policy, it should protect your equipment and cash, but few options are available.
» Be sure to check with the proprietor where your ATM is located. They may have insurance requirements for you to follow. If you do want to look into insurance check with Marshal & Sterling.
» If the location is open 24 hours or has an alarm and security cameras, insurance may be a waste of money.
Share this Entry
As with any new business venture, it’s important to learn as much as possible before starting. ATMs are great investments that have some unique responsibilities that come with them. It is a real, tangible business that takes time and commitment.
Get to know the ATM business before you dive in. Follow the steps you need to take to make it successful, and you will have a thriving ATM business that you can grow as big as you wish.
https://i0.wp.com/atmdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/The-7-Basics-of-Starting-an-ATM-Business-ATMDepot.com_.png?fit=1600%2C900&ssl=19001600Wiederhttps://atmdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ATM-Depot-Logo.pngWieder2017-09-12 21:54:002024-11-12 15:37:51The 7 Basics of Starting an ATM Business
In an Increasingly Digital World, Cash Still King & Reigns Supreme
Even as the number of digital payment methods available to consumers continues to rise, cash is still king. Cash remains the number one choice for a large number of transactions. Some people prefer the ease of cash in completing transactions. Others feel more confident in the security offered by using cash. A minority of customers aim for perks and discounts by being a cash-oriented shopper. With that in mind, the use of physical money is likely going to stay in the mainstream for the foreseeable future.
Source: CardTronics Cash Survey – Nov. 2015
A recent study1 indicated that when people are looking to pay someone back for borrowed funds, cash is still king. In fact, it is the payment form de jour 78 percent of the time. That means that, despite the best efforts of various banks and online payment management systems touting the ability to send money to anyone with an email address (you know who you are!), almost four out of five people would rather hand over cash to repay friends and family members over sending funds electronically.
Other areas where cash is king include convenience store purchases and snacks away from home. Grocery store purchases, small business purchases, and restaurant bills also see cash taking the lead.
Though the number of payment alternatives only rises, general consumer sentiment seems to suggest that using cash for many transactions is going to stay the norm well into the future. Hence, cash is still king and will reign supreme for quite some time.
Tipping in Cash
A cash tip is often logical when the bill will be paid in cash. However, cash tipping on card-based transactions also occurs frequently. For example, the aforementioned survey showed that 53 percent of restaurant-goers paid in cash. Even though 48 percent of the customers used credit, cash tipping was common for 78 percent of those surveyed.
While tipping is not restricted to restaurants alone, many consumers choose to pay tips in cash due to a variety of other factors. Some consumers do not care for the idea of mandatory tip sharing, or pooled tips. They feel that, by paying in cash, there is a higher likelihood their server will keep their fair share.
Even though certain pooling practices are technically illegal, it does not guarantee the activity will not occur. Similarly, removing a percentage of a waiter’s tips to cover the corresponding exchange fees on card-based transactions is also illegal, but has been seen to occur.
Cash for Budgeting
One reason cash seems to stay a critical part of the financial marketplace is its ability to act as a built-in budgeting mechanism. The envelope system2, a budgeting technique pushed into the limelight by personal finance gurus such as Dave Ramsey, functions by having followers shift to a predominantly cash-based way of living.
Once a person determines how much of the funds available from their paycheck will be allocated to certain expenses, they physically place the corresponding funds in an envelope labeled for that purpose. The method states that, once an envelope is empty, no additional spending is allowed in that category. Spending can continue once until the envelope funds are replenished with their next salary payment.
The survey also supported the fact that Millennials are not as resistant to paying in cash as the rumor mill would have you believe. Not only do many Millennials use cash as a method for staying on budget, they do so more often than those belonging to the Baby Boomer generation at a rate of 40 percent to 30 percent.
Women are more likely to take part in this cash budgeting trick than men, at a rate of 39 percent and 29 percent respectively, though the practice has decent footing across the board.
Confidence in Consumer Banking Institutions
Though budgeting is a significant contributor to the use of cash by Millennials, it is only part of the story. In 2014, a study was completed between San Diego State University and the University of Georgia3. The study determined one of the biggest influencers of the use of cash among this youngest working generation is the general distrust of banks and other financial institutions 4.
This distrust is bred from the constant flow of predominately negative information about business practices in the financial industry. The ability to feel connected with a large digital network of others who feel similarly amplifies this effect. The feeling of connectedness makes younger generations feel more empowered that they can make a difference, as they are more aware of the number of like-minded people.
Recent high-profile data breaches5, such as the Target data breach in reported in 20136, have also increased consumer anxiety around the use of card-based payment methods, such as debit or credit card purchases, leading to an increase in the number of cash sales. Security concerns were most notably expressed by older generations but were also a significant presence across every generation.
Cash Offers Security
When it comes to a secure payment method for closing out a transaction, cash is almost unbeatable. You do not have to worry about someone gaining access to your bank account when you hand the cashier a $20. This remains true regardless of what happens to the store’s point-of-sale system on the backend.
Cash has maintained its popularity for smaller retail transactions, generally defined as those below $20. Transactions under $10 are completed in cash about two-thirds of the time based on a study conducted by the Federal Reserve whose results were published in 2014 7. In contrast, across all transactions, mobile and text-based payment options only accounted for less than 0.005 percent of all payment activities.
Cash and Debit are NOT the Same
The use of cash should not be confused with the use of debit card. The electronic component associated with debit cards automatically increases the risk associated with the transaction. Debit cards offer direct access to any cash you have associated with that bank account. This includes any overdraft protection in place. However, the nature of how the transaction completes sets it apart.
If an unscrupulous person gains access to your debit card number and your PIN, they essentially gain unfettered access until you or your bank notice something seems amiss. In contrast, if someone steals $50 from you, the thief has access to $50, and that is it. There is no more risk to your funds beyond the amount that was specifically taken.
Additionally, banks that offer consumer deposit accounts are also subject to hacking attempts and malware. This is demonstrated by the discovery of an international hacking ring in 2015. The ring was responsible for stealing as much as $1 billion from over 100 banks 8. This helps cement the fact that even if a debit card is like using cash, it is not as safe as actually having cash-in-hand to pay for items.
The risk is associated with how the funds are stored (digitally in an account versus as paper money in your hand). It has nothing to do with whether the funds are considered functionally like cash or an extension of credit.
The Disappearance of the Check
While the check hasn’t officially disappeared from the payment option landscape, it has certainly lost a significant amount of ground. In 2014, grocery retailer Whole Foods expanded their no-check policy to include stores in the Southwest region of the United States9. The continues the trend in place with major retailers, including Gap Inc. stores. Additionally, many specialty stores, such as Lululemon Athletica, also do not accept checks.
Click to View
In fact, the Federal Reserve estimated a decline of over 50 percent in the number of checks written between the years 2003 and 201310. This decline is partly due to the reduction in checks being accepted at the point of sale. The rise in popularity of the debit card is also a factor. However, checks remain common for payments of large-value consumer bills.
Customers who preferred checks as a form of payment generally shifted to either use cash or debit card.
Debit Cards versus Credit Cards
There are instances where credit cards can offer more security than its debit card brethren11. Credit purchases often come with higher levels of fraud protection. Additional benefits may also be available to credit card users. This includes institutionally offered cash back or travel rewards.
Some cards include special access based on the card issuer in use. For example, American Express is often the most famous for this, especially in relation to the infamous “Black Card”12. Often, these extra offerings cannot fully offset the challenges associated with a compromised card. Benefits also do not compensate for the costs associated with taking on, and carrying a debt.
Cash Only Small Businesses
Even in today’s digital age, some small businesses choose to run as cash-only businesses or retailers. The most common benefit is avoiding transaction fees associated with credit and debit card purchases. It can also lead to simpler bookkeeping requirements 13.
Additionally, the likelihood the business will be the subject of various fraudulent transaction attempts is also limited. Fewer fraudulent transactions may translate into lower prices.
If a consumer is interested in items from a cash only small business, they will have to pay in cash or walk away without making the purchase. Many would consider this risky, as a business may lose customers in the process. A business can mitigate the risk through installing on-site ATMs.
Small Businesses and On-Site ATMs
For businesses that choose to use a cash only payment model, adding an on-site ATM can be enticing. A buyer who would otherwise not have the cash on-hand can withdraw the funds to complete the purchase.
Many service oriented businesses lead the way when it comes to on-site ATMs. These ATMs are often designed to have a low surcharge, or be surcharge free. Most commonly, these ATMs are seen in service-based businesses such as barber shops, hair salons, and nail salons. The practice is also common in small bars as well as casinos.
Adding on-site ATMs shows to be profitable for many small businesses14. This is supported by the fact that many retail transactions are still completed in cash. An on-site ATM allows customers easy access to their funds without requiring a card as the form of payment at the point of sale.
Additionally, an on-site ATM is often more cost-effective for small businesses. It provides an alternative to those who would otherwise be unable to support the transaction fees associated with accepting debit or credit cards. It can also help a business to run more efficiently. There is no need to dedicate the time to verify a customer’s information to assess whether a check or card-based transaction is initiated by an authorized account holder when cash is the payment method.
The cash market continues to show enough strength to keep many of these businesses running. This suggests we will not see the end of cash in the marketplace any time soon.
Cash Payer Discounts and Card-Based Surcharges
In 2013, updated agreements between credit card giants MasterCard and Visa changed the terms associated with processing card-based transactions. The processing costs are referred to as interchange fees.
Many retailers passed this increase on to consumers through surcharges. The surcharge (at times called the innocuous sounding “convenience fee”) is designed to help cover the costs associated with increased interchange fees.
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This led to some retailers to essentially offer discounts to cash customers. This trend was most noticeable as people drove their cars up to the pump for fuel. While the price difference between cash and card-based payments for gasoline may vary, it is not uncommon to see a difference of about $0.10 per gallon.
The discount to cash payers functions as a reward for not using the other systems. It also looks to encourage more consumers to see cash as king. This operates, psychologically, in a similar fashion to offering a sale15. Consumers enjoy feeling as though they have gotten a deal, even if it is as small as 3 or 4 percent.
This is not the case in all states. Some, including California and New York, have banned the use of credit card surcharges.
References
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Paula Rosenblum, “In Wake of Target Data Breach, Cash Becoming King Again,” Forbes.com, March 17, 2014, accessed August 29, 2016, http://www.forbes.com/sites/paularosenblum/2014/03/17/in-wake-of-target-data-breach-cash-becoming-king-again/#5956194242ec
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“Whole Foods Market Is Latest Retailer to Reject Checks,” DallasNews.com, August 25, 2014, accessed August 29, 2016, https://web.archive.org/web/20160911151010/http://www.dallasnews.com:80/business/retail/20140825-whole-foods-market-is-latest-retailer-to-reject-checks.ece.
Mike Snider and Kaja Whitehouse, “Banking Hack Heist Yields up to $1 Billion,” USAToday.com, February 16, 2015, accessed August 29, 2016, http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/02/15/hackers-steal-billion-in-banking-breach/23464913/.
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Anita Campbell, “Pros and Cons of Offering Discounts for Paying in Cash,” SmalBizTrends.com, July 11, 2013, accessed August 29, 2016, http://smallbiztrends.com/2013/07/pros-cons-discounts-for-paying-in-cash.html.
https://i0.wp.com/atmdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/CashSurveyFullPage.jpg?fit=1484%2C1920&ssl=119201484NoahWhttps://atmdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ATM-Depot-Logo.pngNoahW2017-09-07 11:42:002024-02-16 05:19:1810 Reasons Cash Still King In an Increasingly Digital World
The survey also supported the fact that Millennials are not as resistant to paying in cash as the rumor mill would have you believe. Not only do many Millennials use cash as a method for staying on budget, they do so more often than those belonging to the Baby Boomer generation at a rate of 40 percent to 30 percent.
The use of cash should not be confused with the use of debit card. The electronic component associated with debit cards automatically increases the risk associated with the transaction. Debit cards offer direct access to any cash you have associated with that bank account. This includes any overdraft protection in place. However, the nature of how the transaction completes sets it apart.
Additionally, the likelihood the business will be the subject of various fraudulent transaction attempts is also limited. Fewer fraudulent transactions may translate into lower prices.