ATM infrastructure

ATMs

Anyone with a payment card from the V PAY, Maestro, Visa, or Mastercard card schemes can withdraw cash in euros from Geldmaat. This means that all customers of all Dutch banks can use their regular debit card at Geldmaat without any surcharge or fees from Geldmaat. However, a user’s Dutch bank may charge fees for certain services, such as withdrawing coins.

All foreigners with a payment card from the above-mentioned brands can also withdraw cash in euros at Geldmaat. For users from Europe, there are no costs associated with Geldmaat. Users from outside Europe do pay costs to Geldmaat.

The collaboration of major Dutch banks in Geldmaat ensures a better and more balanced distribution of bank ATMs in the Netherlands. Multiple ATMs from different banks in one location could be replaced by fewer Geldmaat ATMs. In certain locations where there was no bank ATM, a Geldmaat ATM could still be installed. As a result, there are now Geldmaat ATMs in more different locations in the Netherlands, with sometimes fewer ATMs per location.

Voluntary agreements and legislation for Geldmaat ATMs ensure that cash remains easily accessible, even in smaller villages and rural areas.

History and development

The first ATM in the Netherlands was installed in 1968. Until 2019, each of the larger Dutch banks installed its own ATMs throughout the country. As a result, many locations had multiple ATMs from different banks. The transition to Geldmaat has led to better distribution and service at bank ATMs and a uniform, recognizable yellow appearance.

The role of Geldmaat

Geldmaat manages and maintains most of the ATMs in the Netherlands. The ATMs are recognizable by their yellow color and can be found in many places, such as:

• in Geldmaat stores;
• outside in public spaces;
• in shopping centers;
• in supermarkets;
• at train stations.

Geldmaat not only manages ATMs for withdrawing cash, but also ATMs for depositing cash. For merchants who want to deposit large amounts of cash, Geldmaat offers so-called ‘sealbag safes’. The Geldmaat location finder(opens in new window) lists the options available for each Geldmaat ATM: withdrawals, deposits, coins, banknotes, €5 banknotes, outside, inside, inside with assistance, or seal bag safe. Geldmaat stores have all types of ATMs, without assistance.

Non-bank ATMs

In addition to Geldmaat ATMs, there are also non-bank ATMs in the Netherlands, especially in cities and places where many foreigners visit. These ATMs can usually be recognized by a sign with “ATM,” the abbreviation for “Automated Teller Machine.”

Many Dutch bank customers can withdraw cash euros free of charge from non-bank ATMs, but this varies from bank to bank. Some non-bank ATMs charge fees, particularly Travelex ATMs. Every ATM throughout Europe must clearly display all additional fees before a user confirms the cash withdrawal.