Moustafa Allam
Egyptian banks haveincreased the number of ATMs and cards nationwide. Such a rise is not only an expansion of the infrastructure but also a clear reflection of the state’s acceleration of digital transformation in the banking sector, aiming to bring financial services closer to millions of citizens.
According to a recent report issued by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), there has been a notable growth in ATMs across the country, reaching 25,700 in June 2025, compared to 23,800 in the same month a year earlier. Following suit, the number of employees in the banking sector climbed to 145,800 in June, up from 141,800 a year earlier, reflecting the expansion of banking operations and activity.
The CBE report, a copy of which was obtained by The Egyptian Gazette, also referred to a significant growth in all types of bank cards. Debit cards rose to 27.5 million in June, compared to 26.2 million the same month in 2024. Prepaid cards increased to 34.9 million, up from 32.2 million, while credit cards grew to 6.6 million, compared to 6 million a year earlier.
Egypt’s financial system is making steady progress, as evidenced by the growing number of ATMs and card usage. These figures show an increasing reliance on digital payments and formal banking services.
In addition to the growth in ATMs and cards, digital payments have seen remarkable progress. Data from the National Telecom Regulatory Authority showed that wallet transactions reached $19.63 billion in the second quarter of 2025, marking a sharp 72 percent increase from the same period last year.
The rise in digital wallets allows people to send and receive money instantly, even in rural areas where traditional banking services are harder to reach.
As of June 2025, the number of POS devices had grown from 205,200 to 258,270 in just one year. This remarkable growth has resulted in over 1.3 million active devices, making digital payments readily available to businesses and consumers throughout Egypt.
These recent advancements are a key part of the Egyptian government’s strategy to enhance financial inclusion, reduce dependence on cash, and modernize the economy.
