SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- A Harris Interactive poll commissioned by eFunds shows that the ATM is one of America's favorite conveniences, with 78 percent of those surveyed saying it was an important part of their lives.
Fifty-four percent use an ATM at least once a week, with 70 percent withdrawing $20 to $100 per visit, according to the survey, which was conducted in honor of the 30th anniversary of the modern ATM patent.
When asked to compare ATM access to other modern conveniences, respondents considered ATM access (56 percent) as more important than email access (40 percent) and as important as having cell phones (57 percent). The ATM lagged behind personal computers (68 percent) and microwave ovens (63 percent).
"We believe the widespread availability and popularity of ATMs will ultimately drive the future innovation of ATMs as a self-service tool that reflects and serves changing consumer behavior," said Bill Hammel, senior vice president, global software solutions at eFunds and a member of the engineering team that developed the company's CONNEX transaction processing software.
The survey found that ATM/debit cardholders eare interested in additional ATM functionalities, including purchasing stamps (50 percent), cashing checks (48 percent) and purchasing tickets for bus, lottery, concerts or sporting events (36 percent).
