Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper)- Jawad Jabarkhel’s ‘Min Mobiel’ in Hasselt has an ATM to help locals access cash. Polo Bormans notes long lines at other machines.
In the Sint-Jozefstraat area of Hasselt, there’s a mobile phone shop called ‘Mijn Mobiel’ that has a cash machine inside. Owner Jawad Jabarkhel noticed that there weren’t many cash machines nearby, making it hard for people to get cash. He wanted to help by providing an easy way to withdraw money, and customers have been pleased with the service. The ATM is managed by Euronet, which takes care of refilling it, so Jabarkhel doesn’t have to worry about that. Although he thought about placing the machine outside, it can only be used during the shop’s opening hours.
What steps are being taken to improve cash access in Hasselt?
Hasselt has two Batopin ATMs that let people deposit cash and are linked to several banks. However, Polo Bormans from the local trade group says there are often long lines at these machines. He thinks it would be helpful to have ATMs in shops, as long as it doesn’t cost too much for customers. Geert Sciot from the National Bank of Belgium points out that Belgium struggles more than other European countries with cash withdrawals, as banks are closing branches and ATMs quickly. Only 40% of payments under 150 euros are made in cash in Belgium, which is lower than the European average of over 50%. Older people still prefer to use cash for small purchases like bread and newspapers.
“Nowhere else in Europe do people experience as many problems withdrawing money as in Belgium”
Geert Sciot, National Bank of Belgium
Polo Bormans from the Hasselt Merchants’ Association is questioning the future of cash usage. He observes that cash transactions are becoming less common, although people still tend to use cash for smaller purchases. He mentions that for many, particularly older citizens, cash is just more concrete and easier to manipulate. While it may not be used as frequently now, he states that for at least a couple of years to come, ATMs will be something essential because many still rely on cash. Bormans states that people will appreciate having ATMs.
