August 28, 2026, 1:59 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Since June 28, 2025, the new Accessibility Strengthening Act has been in effect. Millions of people are expected to benefit from easier access to a wide range of services and offerings. This affects both websites and online shops as well as everyday activities like withdrawing money from ATMs. Withdrawing cash at supermarkets is also expected to become easier.
The Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) was passed in 2021, but a transition period has since expired. With the final implementation of the new regulation, the EU requires banks and service providers to make their ATMs accessible. This aims to provide people with disabilities equal access to financial services. However, there is a transition period for certain ATMs.
ATMs Must Be Accessible
In Germany, banks currently operate around 50,000 ATMs. The new law has far-reaching implications. ATMs that banks and savings banks now install and put into operation must be equipped to be accessible to everyone. This is stipulated in § 1 para. 2 in conjunction with § 3 BFSG. This includes larger and high-contrast displays, simplified menus, and both acoustic and visual output options for people with visual impairments. Keyboards with tactile markings and wheelchair-accessible operating heights are also required.
However, already installed ATMs have grandfathering protection–but only to a limited extent. According to the law, they may be used without retrofitting for a maximum of their economic lifespan, but no longer than 15 years from commissioning. By 2040 at the latest, all devices must meet the new standards.
To ensure compliance with the regulations, a market surveillance authority has been established. This authority will conduct random checks and investigate specific indications to verify whether banks and operators meet the requirements. Violations can result in fines of up to 100,000 euros. Consumers can also report barriers; however, there is no individual legal claim for retrofitting existing ATMs.
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Websites and Online Shops Must Also Adapt
In addition to ATMs, the law also affects numerous other products and services, such as ticket and check-in machines, e-book readers, telecommunications services, as well as banking services and e-commerce offerings. All these systems must be accessible in the future.
Online retailers have been required to make their webshops accessible since June 28, 2025. This applies to all providers with more than ten employees or over two million euros in annual revenue. The requirements have been in place for new websites since the deadline, and existing offerings must be adapted by 2030 at the latest–a monumental task, as well-known providers like TECHBOOK revealed. Violations can also result in fines of up to 100,000 euros or even the shutdown of the website.
Also of interest: How much money can I withdraw from an ATM at most?
EU Tightens Rules on Cash Withdrawals
At the end of 2025, the EU adopted further rules to simplify cash withdrawals for consumers. The reform requires merchants and financial service providers to ensure full cost transparency: exchange rate surcharges, ATM, or bank fees must be clearly visible before each transaction to prevent unpleasant surprises on account statements.
Due to the continuous reduction of ATMs in Germany, it was also decided that all supermarkets, drugstores, and other retailers in all member states should enable cash withdrawals between 100 and 150 euros–even without a purchase or minimum turnover. This is intended to support people in rural areas where traditional ATMs are increasingly disappearing.