Payments

Why cash remains king during holiday seasons

The next holiday season of Valentine's Day and Easter are coming up quickly, and these events create crowded, fast-moving environments. In those moments, people often choose the quickest and most reliable payment method—cash.

Photo: Adobe Stock

January 23, 2026 by Muhammad Fatir — Creative Content Specialist, ATM Link, Inc.

Summarize with

The holiday effect

Holidays change how people shop and spend. More crowds, more pop-up vendors, more quick transactions. As activity increases, cash usage naturally goes up. Here's why it increases.

Cash is fast

Holiday areas get busy. Lines are long, and people want quick checkouts. Cash eliminates issues like failed scans, slow networks, or payment errors. It works instantly, which drives higher holiday cash usage.

Many vendors prefer cash.

Pop-up stalls and temporary sellers at holiday events, festivals, or businesses often avoid:

card machines.
transaction fees.
delayed settlements.

Cash gives them money immediately. Because many vendors ask for cash, customers withdraw more, raising ATM demand.

People use cash to control spending

Holiday spending adds up—gifts, food, travel, decorations, events. Many people manage budgets better with physical cash in hand, leading to more ATM withdrawals.

Digital payments vs. cash

Digital payments dominate daily life, but holiday seasons reveal their limitations. They can struggle with:

Network congestion.
Weak mobile signals.
Vendors lacking digital options.
Dead phone batteries.
App or device failures

In these moments, people switch to cash because it's dependable.

Cash doesn't replace digital, it complements it.

This isn't cash vs digital. Most people use both. Digital works every day; cash becomes essential in high-traffic holiday environments.

How holidays increase ATM demand

Higher cash usage means more withdrawals. ATMs in strategic locations see major increases in transactions.

Best-performing ATM locations during holidays include:

shopping districts.
event venues.
religious centers.
transportation hubs.
busy neighborhoods.

What this means for ATM owners

Preparation is key

Holiday seasons can significantly boost ATM performance—but only if machines remain stocked and online.

Operators should plan ahead to capture increased holiday cash usage through the following methods:

Increase cash loads.
Monitor activity more frequently.
Minimize downtime.
Ensure quick service dispatch.

Conclusion

Even with ongoing growth in digital payments, cash demand still rises during holiday seasons. People rely on cash because it's quick, simple, and reliable during crowded, high-spending periods. That's why ATM demand spikes during holidays and why planning ahead is crucial for ATM operators.

FAQs

Q: Why does cash demand increase during holidays?
A: Because crowded venues and temporary vendors make cash the fastest, most reliable payment option.

Q: Why do people prefer cash at holiday events?
A: It works without internet, helps manage budgets, and is accepted everywhere.

Q: Are digital payments replacing cash during holidays?
A:No. Digital is common, but cash remains essential in crowded or low-signal environments.

Q: How do holidays affect ATM demand?
A: ATM transactions increase because people withdraw more cash for shopping, food, travel and events.

Q: What are ATMs used most during holidays?
A:Shopping centers, event locations, transport hubs and busy seasonal areas.

Q: How can ATM owners prepare for holiday seasons?
A:Increase cash loads, monitor machines closely and reduce downtime.

Q: Is cash still important even with digital payments?
A: Yes. Cash is reliable and works regardless of connectivity.

Q: Do holidays increase cash withdrawals every year?
A: In most cases, yes—especially in high-traffic areas with temporary vendors.

Vault Cash / Cash Management PaymentsATM Link, Inc.

About Muhammad Fatir

From Graphic Designer to Marketing Executive, I blend creativity with strategy to drive brand growth. At Murkez Technologies, I led a rebranding initiative, increasing online traffic by 35% and boosting ROI by 20% through data-driven campaigns. With expertise in branding, content marketing, and SEO, I craft compelling narratives that connect people to brands. Passionate about innovation and analytics, I thrive at the intersection of design and strategy.

Included In This Story

ATM Link, Inc.

YOUR MAJOR RESOURCE FOR ATM PROCESSING, PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES

For over 26 years, ATM Link, Inc. has been helping retailers maximize profits with hassle-free ATM solutions. From transaction processing to full-service programs, quality ATMs, and expert support, we’ve got you covered nationwide. We prioritize customer satisfaction, security, and transparency, ensuring smooth operations and increased earnings

Request Info

Learn More