Moldovan residents of villages without ATMs to be able to withdraw cash from bank cards directly in shops

Residents from rural areas where there are no ATMs will be able to withdraw cash from their bank cards directly in shops. Thus, merchants who have cash registers in their stores will be able to dispense cash directly from the applicant's card.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MDED) said that the initiative came in response to business community requests and aims to facilitate citizens' access to cash, even in settlements where there are no ATMs.

“The government helps you have quick and easy access to your account money, without wasting time or searching for an ATM. Soon, in all settlements in Moldova, merchants with cash register in stores will be able to release cash directly onto the applicant's card. If you need cash for needs other than shopping in commercial units, you will be able to withdraw up to 1,000 lei without going to an ATM. For this, go to the store, make purchases, and upon making the payment with your bank card, also request cash directly from the merchants in your village or town. All you need is to address a commercial unit that operates POS terminals, have your card and the merchant has the cash available,” Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Doina Nistor said.

Thus, anyone who holds a bank card will be able to shop in the store and request a withdrawal of up to 1,000 lei per transaction, with a monthly limit of 100,000 lei.

“The adopted measure contributes significantly to financial inclusion and helps create a more accessible and efficient system for all citizens, especially for those from rural areas. This will also support the development of a cashless economy and motivate the population to use electronic payment instruments, contributing to an easy transition to safer and more efficient payments,” added Doina Nistor.

With this legislative amendment, economic agents will be able to convert the cash received into traceable electronic transactions, thus contributing to reducing the shadow economy and greater transparency of financial flows. Also, merchants will benefit from complementary services that will stimulate their business and contribute to the development of POS terminals’ infrastructure in rural areas.

The measures will only come into effect after the draft law on the amendment of the normative acts is approved by the parliament.