May 5, 2026, 2:27 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Since June 28, 2025, the new Accessibility Enhancement Act has been in effect. Millions of people are expected to benefit from easier access to a wide range of services and offerings. This includes websites and online shops, as well as everyday activities like withdrawing money from ATMs. The act also aims to make cash withdrawals at supermarkets easier.
The Accessibility Enhancement 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 is intended 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. Requirements include larger and high-contrast displays, simplified menus, and acoustic and visual output options for people with visual impairments. Keyboards with tactile markings and wheelchair-accessible operating heights are also mandated.
However, already installed ATMs enjoy grandfathering—but only to a limited extent. According to the law, these may be used without retrofitting for a maximum of up to the end of their economic lifespan, but no longer than 15 years from commissioning. By 2040, all devices must meet the new standards.
To ensure compliance with the regulations, a market surveillance agency has been established. This agency 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 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 must also make their webshops accessible since June 28, 2025. This applies to all providers with more than ten employees or annual sales exceeding two million euros. The requirements apply to new websites from the cutoff date, and existing offerings must be adapted by 2030—a monumental task, as well-known provider TECHBOOK revealed. Violations can 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?
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 payment to prevent unpleasant surprises on account statements.
Due to the ongoing 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. The EU aims to support people in rural areas where traditional ATMs are increasingly disappearing.