Many cheered when banks eliminated ATM fees in 2017 – but now it’s a struggle to find one

Bank-owned ATM numbers are down almost 60%, with many spots now taken by privately-owned machines charging about $3 per withdrawal

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

It is getting increasingly difficult to find an ATM and harder still to find one that doesn't charge fees, prompting warnings that the push toward a cashless society is neither equitable nor wise.

Bank-owned ATM numbers are down almost 60% since 2017, according to regulatory data, with many spots now taken by third party-owned machines that typically charge about $3 a withdrawal.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email