Why It Matters

The National ATM Council faces dual challenges: protecting independent ATM operators from organized crime while preserving cash demand in an increasingly digital economy. The organization’s lobbying strategy targets the Safe Access to Cash Act, extending federal bank robbery protections to independently-owned ATMs, and the Payment Choice Act, requiring retailers to accept cash.

However, NAC confronts political risk around surcharge scrutiny. Some lawmakers, including Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD), support ATM security legislation while also targeting "excessive" consumer fees. This forces NAC to advance pro-industry legislation while managing fee disclosure and surcharge cap threats—reflected in its hiring of Monument Strategies LLC, a firm with expertise in payment choice advocacy and financial services regulation.

By the Numbers

The National ATM Council Inc. has lobbied federally since April 2015, spending $670,000 over nearly a decade of advocacy.

In Q4 2025, NAC paid Monument Strategies LLC $60,000—continuing the relationship since October 2019. The organization recently diversified its approach, deploying specialized firms for specific priorities. Meeks, Butera & Israel PLLC was registered in October 2025 specifically for Payment Choice Act and Safe Access to Cash Act campaigns.

Monument Strategies brings institutional expertise through existing representation of the Consumer Choice in Payment Coalition, which advocates for identical payment choice legislation. The firm has managed over 800 disclosures since 2006, earning $8.8 million in compensation.

The Agenda

The National ATM Council Inc. focuses on issues critical to independent ATM operators’ survival, though the last quarter filings don’t specify particular legislative targets.

Historically, NAC has prioritized:

  • ATM Security: Modernizing federal bank robbery statutes for independently-owned ATMs, relevant to the Safe Access to Cash Act of 2025
  • Cash Access: Supporting the Payment Choice Act of 2025 ensuring consumer cash acceptance
  • Regulatory Compliance: Addressing anti-money laundering, fee disclosure, and Community Reinvestment Act issues
  • Banking Services: Combating initiatives pressuring banks to terminate ATM operator accounts

Broader Context

NAC advances its agenda amid significant congressional momentum. The Safe Access to Cash Act enjoys bipartisan support, with Congressmen Glenn Ivey, John Rose, and Scott Fitzgerald recently reintroducing legislation. Consumer data shows strong cash preservation support—favorable for NAC’s priorities.

However, fee regulation creates headwinds. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) has criticized ATM surcharges as excessive. Ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Visa and Mastercard creates regulatory uncertainty impacting independent operators’ profitability.

Between The Lines

Congress actively advances NAC-aligned legislation. The Safe Access to Cash Act of 2025 has bipartisan sponsorship, with lawmakers explicitly citing NAC endorsement. Companion Payment Choice Act legislation aims to require retail cash acceptance.

Yet NAC faces mixed signals on fees. While Rep. Glenn Ivey supports security legislation, he also backs CFPB action against ATM "junk fees." Senator Dick Durbin continues scrutinizing payment networks—affecting independent operators.

Competitive Landscape

NAC advances its agenda alongside other industry players. NCR Atleos Corp. spent $70,000 in Q4 2024 lobbying on identical Payment Choice and Safe Access legislation. CoinFlip lobbies on crypto ATM regulation, while AARP Inc. monitors kiosk fraud prevention.

Opposition exists even among legislative allies. Rep. Rosa DeLauro criticizes excessive ATM surcharges, while Safe Access co-sponsor Rep. Glenn Ivey supports CFPB fee restrictions.

The Bottom Line

NAC lobbies amid favorable political conditions for security and cash access legislation. Both priority bills enjoy bipartisan support. However, the trade association faces surcharge regulation headwinds, with congressional allies simultaneously pushing fee restrictions. The $60,000 quarterly Monument Strategies engagement reflects a sophisticated strategy: advancing pro-industry legislation while managing regulatory and fee-related scrutiny.

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