Outback Communities

Fee-Free ATM Access in Remote Communities

A Lifeline for Australia's Indigenous Populations

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has collaborated with Atmwest and other financial institutions to provide fee-free ATM services in some of the most remote communities across Australia. This initiative, which has been in place for 12 years, is designed to reduce the financial burden on individuals living in these areas, many of whom belong to Indigenous communities.

91.4%
Aboriginal origin
4.2%
Torres Strait Islander origin
4.4%
Both Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
983,700
First Nations population
The Nature of
Living in a Remote Community

Living in remote communities means limited access to services, high ATM fees, and reliance on daily purchases. Cultural factors and shared keycards make financial transactions both social and challenging.

1.Access to Services:
Most homes lack basic appliances, forcing residents
to buy food daily. Few communities have reliable internet or phones for banking, limiting online banking acces.
2. Cultural Factors & Financial Management:
Indigenous people in remote areas use ATMs to avoid
"humbugging," where family members ask for money
due to cultural obligations.
3.Banking & ATM Usage:
Limited access to ATMs leads to frequent fees (often
$2 per transaction) for checking balances or
withdrawing cash.
4.Social Dynamics:
In a sharing culture, multiple family members may
use a single keycard, making daily trips to the store
both a social and financial event.
Distance to Cash Withdrawal
Most Remote
Cash Access Point
Proud Partner
and Leading ATM Deployer
Pioneering Access to Essential Banking
Services in Remote Australia

atmwest is honoured to be the largest provider of ATMs participating in this vital scheme. With a deep commitment to supporting Australia’s remote communities, we have strategically deployed a substantial number of ATMs across the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia. As a key partner in this initiative, Atmwest ensures that our machines are easily accessible, highly reliable, and clearly marked as fee-free to eliminate any confusion for users.

Why
This Matters
Bringing Essential Banking to Remote Areas
Fee-Free ATMs Bridge the Gap for Isolated Communities

For many individuals living in remote communities, the nearest bank branch may be hundreds of kilometres away, and access to online banking is often limited due to poor internet connectivity. In such circumstances, ATMs are more than just a convenience - they are a critical resource. The fee-free ATM initiative enables residents to access their funds without the burden of ATM fees, which can be particularly challenging for those dependent on government benefits.

Through this program, the Australian Banking Association is helping to bridge the gap between urban and remote Australia. atmwest is proud to play a vital role in this effort, having deployed the most ATMs under this program to ensure that even the most isolated communities have access to essential financial services. For more information on the Fee-Free ATM scheme or to find a fee-free ATM near you, visit the Australian Banking Association’s website here.

Location
Unveilling Australia's Remote Location
Discovering the Hidden Beauty
of the Outback and Beyond

"Discovering the Hidden Beauty of the Outback and Beyond" unveils Australia's most remote and untouched landscapes. From the red deserts of the Outback to rugged coastlines, these regions offer unique wildlife, ancient cultures, and stunning scenery. It’s an adventure into the heart of nature's raw, unspoiled beauty.