How Credit Unions can Expand Financial Literacy with On-Site ATMs

Written for ATM USA: Powered by PAI/Brinks, Published by CUInsight

Americans are feeling financial pressure. Inflation, rising gas prices, and everyday expenses are forcing many consumers to rethink how they manage their money.

More than 77% of U.S. consumers are worried about their financial future and the economy. That uncertainty creates an opportunity for credit unions to step up, strengthen member relationships, and improve financial education in the communities they serve.

One surprisingly effective way to start? Partnering with an ATM outsourcing provider to install convenient, branded ATMs at Select Employee Groups (SEGs) and local employer locations — creating more access, visibility, and opportunities for financial engagement.

Offer Account Access at Branded ATM Locations

The convenience and familiarity of an on-site ATM at their place of employment can make current and potential members feel more confident and in control of their finances. While they can check account balances and make deposits, quick cash in hand also allows consumers to better budget spending and stick to financial plans.

Promote Financial Literacy Programs via ATM Screens and Receipts

In addition to offering convenient account access, having ATMs at employer locations present the perfect way for credit unions to promote financial literacy initiatives directly to staff members. Receipts, welcome screens, and signage can all educate users on available programs, resources, and meetings focused on money management skills.

For example, receipts could list upcoming webinars focused on budgeting tactics or saving for retirement. Welcome screens might highlight the next installment of an in-person financial literacy course. Eye-catching signage could direct people to online portals with saving calculators, investing guides, household budget templates, and more helpful tools.

Build Community Partnerships for Joint Financial Literacy Efforts

Having an ATM within the walls of a SEG or local employer site also presents the opportunity to build relationships with local businesses. Credit unions can leverage these touchpoints to forge community partnerships centered on improving financial literacy.

For instance, credit unions might work with business account holders to present lunch-and-learn seminars explaining concepts like emergency funds, decoding pay stubs, and utilizing workplace retirement plans to the fullest. Or offer webinars for business partners on teaching financial literacy in the workplace so companies can better guide their staff.

The Bottom Line

During turbulent economic periods, credit unions can truly support the community by prioritizing financial education. Having conveniently located, branded ATMs at workplaces provide easily visible platforms that make spreading the word seamless so more people can take advantage of programs to gain financial confidence and expand their money skills, while also positioning your credit union as a financial authority invested in the whole community.

And with the right partner managing the ATMs, it doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming – allowing credit union staff to focus on empowering consumers through financial literacy initiatives without the hassle of loading cash or doing routine maintenance.

Alicia Blanda is a seasoned marketing. public relations and financial-services consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping banks, credit unions, and fintechs grow through strategic branding, technology integration, and performance-driven marketing. Her expertise spans the ATM, payments, and financial-services industries.

📩 Schedule your consultation alicia@blandamarketing.com