Last updated on March 11, 2024
White Label ATMs (WLA ATMs) have become an indispensable part of modern society, revolutionizing the way we conduct banking transactions. While banks operate most ATMs in India, a relatively new category of ATMs has emerged – the White Label ATMs, which are not directly owned or branded by any specific bank. In this article, we will delve into this new industry in India, explore its regulation, and evolution, and shed light on some notable White Label ATM examples and operators.
Table of Contents
What is White Label ATM?
White Label ATM is a relatively new category of ATMs in India that are not branded by banks. In simple terms, White Label ATM refers to machines established, owned, and operated by non-bank entities under the Companies Act 1956.
In the dynamic world of modern banking, WLA companies play a pivotal role by seamlessly integrating into the banking network and offering a diverse range of services to customers from any bank. This article explores the vital functions of WLA companies, including facilitating cash withdrawals, bill payments, and cash deposit services. In return, these operators charge fees to the card-issuing bank for providing this convenient facility to their customers.
Under the White Label ATM business model, ATMs are set up and operated by non-bank entities, carrying the brand name of the WLA operators. These ATMs provide a convenient and accessible banking solution to customers, regardless of the bank they hold accounts with. These ATMs are also known as “no name” ATMs, although this is a misnomer as the ATMs carry the name of the company operating it.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted authorization for the operations of WLAs by non-bank entities under the Payment & Settlement Systems Act, 2007. This move was aimed at expanding the ATM network in India, with a particular focus on rural and semi-urban areas, bridging the gap in financial services accessibility.
Operations of White Label ATM Operators
From the user’s perspective, operating a WLA is similar to any other ATM. However, the backend processes may be more complex. A WLA operator interacts with three intermediaries during the transaction process: a lending bank, a sponsor bank for settlements, and an ATM network provider like NPCI. WLA operators follow a B2B business model by partnering with banks. Their revenue and profitability depend on the volume of transactions at their ATMs, necessitating building connections with end customers as in a B2C model.
Establishing connections with potential customers and cultivating awareness and trust regarding the safety and convenience of White Label ATMs (WLAs) is just as crucial as building relationships with sponsor banks. Investing in building customer trust towards the brand plays a pivotal role for WLA operators in attracting customers, increasing footfall at ATMs, and ultimately driving revenues.
Usage of White Label ATM
White Label ATMs offer various facilities and services, including:
- Any customer belonging to any bank can use it.
- Five transactions are free every month.
- These ATMs and transactions are available 24/7, including holidays.
- Value-added services like mobile recharge and utility bill payments are provided.
History of White Label ATM Industry in India
Until 2012, only banks were allowed to set up ATMs in India. The number of ATMs deployed in the country by March 2012 was 95,686, with a majority located in urban and metro areas. To extend ATM coverage in unbanked and underbanked regions, the RBI permitted non-bank entities to establish, own, and operate ATMs in June 2012. This led to the emergence of White Label ATMs, specifically targeted at semi-urban and rural areas with low bank-owned ATM penetration.
In 2013 and 2014, RBI issued Certificates of Authorization to eight non-bank entities for setting up and operating WLAs in India.
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WLA ATM Licenses by RBI
Entity | Month and Year of Issuance of Certificate | Current Status as of March 2024 |
Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited | May 2013 | Operational |
Hitachi Payment Services Pvt. Ltd. | November 2013 | Operational |
Vakrangee Limited | January 2014 | Operational |
India1 Payments Limited | February 2014 | Operational |
Muthoot Finance Limited | February 2014 | The company surrendered its certificate of Authorisation in 2020 due to mounting losses |
SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited | May 2014 | The company surrendered its certificate of Authorisation in 2018 due to viability issues |
RiddiSiddhi Bullions Limited | May 2014 | RBI revoked the certificate of Authorisation in March 2021 due to Non-compliance with regulatory requirements |
AGS Transact Technologies Ltd | June 2014 | RBI revoked the certificate of Authorisation in March 2021 due to Non-compliance with regulatory requirements |
As of March 2024, four WLA ATM operators remain in the industry – India1 Payments (formerly known as BTI Payment), Tata Communications Payment Solutions, Hitachi Payment Services, and Vakrangee.
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Regulatory Tailwinds for WLA ATM Operators
In March 2019, the RBI introduced a significant change in the business guidelines for WLA operators. This change allowed WLAs to directly source cash from RBI, reducing their reliance on bank withdrawals. As a result of this regulatory update, the availability of cash in all denominations at these ATMs has increased, providing customers with greater convenience and accessibility to cash.
Operating and maintaining ATMs can be a costly affair, and factors like high interest rates and fuel costs put additional pressure on profit margins. The installation cost of an ATM typically amounts to INR 5,00,000, with monthly operational costs hovering around INR 50,000. In light of these financial challenges, the Confederation of ATM Industry (CATMI) called for an increase in the interchange fee. CATMI proposed raising the interchange fee to INR 23 for financial transactions and INR 8 for non-financial transactions.
As a result, the RBI conducted a review of the ATM interchange fees in June 2021 and offered some relief to WLA operators. The RBI permitted an increase in the interchange fee per transaction for both financial transactions, raising it from INR 15 to INR 17, and for non-financial transactions, increasing it from INR 5 to INR 6. These revised interchange fees were applicable in all regions and came into effect on 1st August 2021. This presents an incentive for WLAOs to deploy more ATMs in the country, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where the penetration is lower. These charges are paid by the card issuing banks to White Label ATM operators.
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Number of White ATMs in India
As seen above, the white label ATM example includes machines installed by four companies. In total, these four companies have deployed over 35,800 ATMs in India.
WLA operators | License approval date | Number of ATMs (March 2023) |
India1 Payments Limited | 12 February 2014 | 12,142 |
Hitachi Payment Services | 25 November 2013 | 8,750 |
Tata Communications Payment Solutions | 3 May 2013 | 8,700 |
Vakrangee | 23 January 2014 | 6,238 |
As of 31 March 2023, India1 Payments holds the distinction of being the largest white-label ATM operator in India, with the deployment of 10,000 WLAs, branded as ‘India1 ATMs’. This achievement becomes more impressive considering that a majority of these ATMs have been installed in semi-urban and rural areas.
Hitachi Money Spot ATM is the brand associated with Hitachi Payment Services’ White Label ATM deployment in India. With a strong focus on deploying WLAs in Tier 3 to Tier 6 towns, the company has experienced remarkable growth in WLA deployment in recent years.
Tata Communications Payment Solutions (TCPSL) holds the distinction of being the first company authorized by the RBI to open White Label ATMs in India. It launched its operations under the brand name ‘Indicash’ in June 2013 and notably inaugurated the first ATM in a Tier-5 town.
Vakrangee is currently the smallest of the four White Label ATM players in India. Despite its smaller scale, White Label ATMs remain a critical component of Vakrangee’s business model, unlike other players that have more diversified business interests.
Growth of White Label ATMs in India
Between March 2017 and March 2023, the number of ATMs deployed by WLAOs witnessed a strong Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17%.
Region-wise WLA in India
WLA Operators’ Market Share by ATMs deployed
India1 Payments | 34% |
Hitachi Payment Services | 24% |
Tata Communications Payment Solutions (Indicash) | 24% |
Vakrangee | 18% |
WLA FAQs
Which is India’s biggest White Label ATM operator?
India1 Payments is the largest white-label ATM operator in India, based on the number of ATMs installed as of 31 March 2023. The company’s network includes 12,142 WLAs.
Which company was first authorized to operate White Label ATMs?
Tata-group entity Tata Communications Payment Solutions (TCPSL) was the first company authorized by the RBI to open White Label ATMs in India. The company launched its ATMs under the ‘Indicash’ brand name in June 2013.
How does White Label ATM operator earn money?
WLA operators depend on intercharge fee for their revenues. This fee is charged to the card-issuing banks on every usage. Currently, the intercharge fee is INR 17 for financial transactions and INR 6 for non-financial transactions. Additionally, White ATM operators can offer value-added services and earn additional revenue.
How many transactions are free for users?
ATM user belonging to any bank can use WLA ATMs five times every month without paying any charges.
I am rent my shop for ATM…..
I am rent my shop for atm
I am rent shop for atm
I have a shop having area 300sq ft. The shop situates at Kotalpur in the District of Bankura and on the main road leading to Kolkata.The shop is very close to Netaji More Bus Stand.