It will soon be much easier to withdraw cash in shops in France

Plans to greatly increase the accessibility of cash withdrawals from shops across France are progressing and are set to come into force in 2026.

The changes mean it will be easier for holders of a French bank card to withdraw money at shops such as florists, bakeries, and local outlets where ‘private cash points’ are in operation.

The changes are being touted as a way to provide greater access to cash at a time when the number of physical bank branches and ATMs are decreasing, and will in particular help rural areas. 

It is expected to also increase the number of people entering shops offering the service, which may boost spending levels at these stores.

The recent widespread power outage in Spain reinforced arguments that it is necessary for the widespread use of physical cash to remain in place, and for people to ensure they have some available in case payment via electronic methods is not possible.

In 2024, for the first time ever, more people (48%) paid for goods from local shops with bank cards than physical cash (43%), according to a study from the European Central Bank. 

What are private cash points?

Around 27,000 ‘private cash points’ (points d’accès privatifs aux espèces) are in place across France, according to the National Committee for Payment Methods, with most of these in shops.

In comparison, there are around 44,000 traditional cashpoints/ATMs although this number has been falling for a number of years.

It is possible to withdraw money at private access points in a shop without making a purchase, providing an additional access point for cash.

However, these withdrawals are currently limited in nature. 

Four ‘networks’ running private cash point systems exist in France, managed by Crédit Agricole, Crédit Mutuel, La Banque Postale and Nickel (an alternative banking service). 

Generally, unless both the person wanting to withdraw cash and the private cash point in question belong to the same ‘network’ – for example, you bank with Crédit Mutuel, and the florist you are in offers the system via Crédit Mutuel – it is not possible to withdraw money this way. 

More shops, easier access

The system is set to see an overhaul through two major points, which have been backed by the Banque de France and major bank card providers through the GIE Cartes bancaires group.

Firstly, more shops will be given the option to host a private cash point for users. 

Shops and stores would not be required to sign up, but be offered the opportunity on a voluntary basis’ said director of marketing at the GIE Cartes bancaires Loÿs Moulin to Le Parisien (paywall article). 

Also the restriction accessing the points will be gradually removed.

“We would no longer limit access to the merchant's bank customers, but gradually open them up to all cardholders, regardless of which bank the customer uses,” Mr Moulin added. 

This means that not only will people who bank with the four network managers above be able to use the system, but anyone with a French bank card that has the ‘CB’ logo (essentially all cards offered by major banks in France). 

This will include banks such as LCL, BNP Paribas, Société Générale etc.

In the first half of 2026, La Banque Postale and Crédit Agricole will begin to widen the service so that all private access points on their networks can be used in this way.

Shops will not be able to charge for the service, although certain maximum withdrawal amounts may be put in place. 

“It should be seen as an emergency service that is in no way intended to replace ATMs or turn shops into ATMs,” Mr Moulin added.