The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to enable Cardtronics and financial institutions who join a proposed Allpoint ATM network to reach agreements with Cardtronics to provide cardholders of these financial institutions with the ability to access surcharge free ATM transactions (cash withdrawals and balance checks) throughout the Allpoint ATM network.
Cardtronics is an ATM deployer currently providing ATM deployment and related services for retail, corporate and financial institution customers. The Allpoint network is a proposed surcharge-free ATM network that will be owned and operated by Cardtronics. Negotiated agreements under the authorisation are intended to enable financial institutions to offer their cardholders the benefits of surcharge-free transactions across a substantial fleet of ATMs around Australia, that extends beyond the size and scope of the financial institution's own fleet.
Under the interim authorisation Cardtronics will be able to begin negotiating agreements for financial institutions to join the Allpoint network immediately. This is likely to promote consumer choice and enhance competition for ATM transaction services.
The ACCC expects to issue a draft determination in March or April 2022. Further information about the ACCC's interim authorisation and the Cardtronics application for authorisation is available on the ACCC’s public register at: Cardtronics.