Geldmaat is launching a pilot with the dispensing of 100-euro banknotes in a number of machines. The banknote will become available in 46 Geldmaat stores in major cities and large shopping centers throughout May and June. The new Geldmaat store at Julianaplein in Den Helder will have the honor of being the first to offer them in early May.

The pilot will last approximately six months and aims to determine the extent of the demand for these banknotes and which customers use them. Together with the Dutch Central Bank, Geldmaat expects that demand is growing due to inflation. It also regularly receives inquiries about whether it is possible to withdraw a 100-euro banknote.

To prevent a customer from unintentionally withdrawing a 100-euro banknote, the 100-euro note is only available after a deliberate selection. If no other banknotes are available, the machine will indicate this. Geldmaat stores typically have 5-7 machines for withdrawing banknotes. One of these will offer the 100-euro banknotes. The banknote will be available at all Geldmaat stores except the store in Tilburg.

Following new explosive attacks on business deposit machines, Geldmaat is urgently taking measures to deter criminals from making further attempts. These measures are necessary due to the (potential) impact of explosive attacks on people living or working above or next to this type of machine. Geldmaat regrets that measures are necessary but states that the safety of residents is the highest priority.

Joost den Heyer, Chief Operational Office at Geldmaat: “This is going way too far. We fully understand that people living or working in the vicinity of this type of machine are concerned. These are highly undesirable situations involving powerful explosives, which we must put a stop to as soon as possible. We are doing this with the measures we are taking now, although business customers of banks will be affected by them. We regret this, but safety takes precedence over ease of use.”

This week, six Geldmaat machines have already been targeted by criminals. Some attacks were successful with a (limited) haul. The explosive attacks are exclusively aimed at seal bag machines. These machines are used by business customers of banks.

Measures

Geldmaat will close this type of machine in locations where people are living or working above or next to the machine. For other locations, opening hours will be limited from 07:00 to 14:00. Afterwards, these machines will be emptied. The seal bag machines in 44 Geldmaat stores will remain available during the store's full opening hours (07:00 – 22:00).

All other machines for withdrawing or depositing banknotes or coins will remain available during their usual opening hours.