In total, 118 of the current 131 ATMs will be exchanged for new devices. The new machines are intended not only to offer improved user convenience but also to provide significantly increased security. By the end of the year, they are expected to be installed at around 70 locations across the city. The bank is investing more than two million euros in this large-scale modernization.
Old Machines to Be Phased Out – New Technology Enhances Accessibility
“The current ATM models have reached the end of their technical service life,” said Max Fulir, Head of Cash Services at the bank’s main branch on Tal. The new ATMs feature modern functionalities and can be operated both via touchscreen and a traditional keyboard. The keyboard has been deliberately positioned lower to make it easier for wheelchair users to access. Nevertheless, the familiar user experience will remain unchanged for customers.
The new technology also offers advantages for people with visual impairments: the screen allows for contrast adjustments to improve legibility. Additionally, the ATMs support a voice-guided menu system. This feature can be activated through a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, enabling users to plug in their own headphones and navigate the menu audibly.
Sparkasse Responds to String of Explosive Attacks – New Safety Standards Introduced
In addition to greater ease of use, the new ATMs also include substantially enhanced security features. This development comes in response to a sharp rise in the number of explosive attacks on ATMs in recent years. In 2024 alone, 22 such incidents were recorded in Bavaria, causing more than seven million euros in damages. In 2025, 14 more explosions have already taken place.
To counteract this trend, Stadtsparkasse München is now equipping its new machines with an advanced security standard. While specific technical details were not disclosed for understandable reasons, Max Fulir did confirm that the ATMs would include what is known as a dye-staining system: in the event of a violent shock—such as that caused by an explosion—the cash stored in the machine is stained with dye, rendering it unusable. This method is also in line with the recommendations of the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
First New Machines Operational from August 5 – Installation Will Take Just a Few Hours
One of the new ATMs has already been installed at the main branch on Sparkassenstraße. The next machines are scheduled to be installed at the following locations:
- Ungererstraße 75: Installation on August 5
- Branch in the Olympia-Einkaufszentrum (OEZ): August 6
- V-Markt on Balanstraße: August 7
- Branch on Lazarettstraße 36: August 8
Before any replacement takes place, each branch will inform its customers through notices posted on-site or via messages displayed on the screens of the current ATMs. According to Fulir, the replacement of each machine will take about five hours. During this time, there may be temporary limitations in the availability of cash services. However, in staffed branches, so-called “cash recyclers” will be available to customers—these are machines that allow both deposits and withdrawals.
Cash Remains Important Despite Ongoing Digitalization
Despite the steady increase in card and digital payments in recent years, cash continues to play a significant role in everyday financial transactions, according to the Stadtsparkasse. “For many of our customers, cash remains very important,” said Fulir. Many smaller retailers, in particular, still do not accept card payments and therefore depend on cash transactions. The bank emphasizes that the extensive modernization of its ATMs also sends a clear message: Stadtsparkasse München remains committed to maintaining a widespread and reliable cash supply for its customers.
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