NCR Atleos Finds 78% Weekly Cash Usage and 24% Underbanked Reliance
NCR Atleos surveyed 1,200 U.S. consumers and 400 merchants, finding 78% of Americans use cash weekly and 89% of retailers continue to accept it. The study highlights that 24% of U.S. adults are underbanked and depend on cash for essential financial services.
1. Research Scope and Methodology
NCR Atleos conducted an online survey of 1,200 U.S. adults across age, income and geographic segments, alongside interviews with 400 small and mid-size merchants to assess current cash usage patterns and acceptance rates.
2. Consumer Cash Usage Findings
The research found that 78% of respondents used cash at least once per week, with 52% citing convenience and 45% preferring cash to manage budgets. Usage was highest among adults aged 55 and older, at 85%.
3. Merchant Cash Acceptance
Among surveyed merchants, 89% reported continuing to accept cash payments, with 62% indicating cash transactions represented over 20% of sales. Retailers in lower-income neighborhoods reported even higher cash reliance.
4. Implications for Financial Inclusion
The study shows 24% of U.S. adults are underbanked, relying primarily on cash for bills and daily expenses. These findings underscore cash’s vital role in financial inclusion and signal potential growth in demand for ATM and cash-handling services.