Withdrawing cash in Algeria without an ATM

ATM out of order, queues at the post office, no ATM in the village: getting cash is still a daily hassle for many Algerians. According to Bank of Algeria statistics, the country had about 3,700 ATMs at the end of 2022 (1,755 in bank branches and 1,920 in post offices) for the whole territory. Here are the existing options, and the one opened up by the new rules on payment agents.

1. The ATM

With an Edahabia or CIB card, you can withdraw cash from both Algérie Poste and bank ATMs, since the network is interbank. Algérie Poste announced 600 new ATMs from January 2025 to improve coverage. Withdrawals are subject to a daily limit set by the card issuer.

To understand how these cards differ, read our guide to mobile payments in Algeria.

2. Cardless withdrawal with BaridiMob

Algérie Poste offers a cardless withdrawal service, called Cardless, to Edahabia cardholders registered on BaridiMob. You start the operation in the app, receive a reference and a secret code by SMS, then withdraw the money at an ATM without inserting a card.

Handy if you forget your card or PIN, the service also lets a relative withdraw money for you once you share the reference and code. Only share them with someone you trust. The limit: you still need a working ATM.

3. The post office counter

A CCP account holder can withdraw money at a post office counter with an ID document and a CCP chequebook. It is the fallback when ATMs are down, at the cost of queues and opening hours.

4. Payment agents: withdrawing cash at a local shop

Bank of Algeria Instruction No. 06-2025 (articles 16 to 27) allows authorised payment service providers (PSPs) to appoint agents: local shops (grocery stores, kiosks, multi-service shops) that handle cash deposits and withdrawals for their customers. The text frames this role closely:

• the agent must be listed in the trade register and selected by the PSP for integrity and resources (article 19);
• the agent must publicly display that it acts on behalf of one or more PSPs (article 21);
• the agent cannot charge you fees on top of those set by the PSP (article 23);
• the PSP remains fully liable for operations carried out by its agents (article 17), and the Bank of Algeria can inspect agents at any time (article 25).

In practice, the withdrawal is requested and confirmed in the PSP’s app, then the agent hands over the cash. The benefit: a neighbourhood shop is often closer, and open later, than an ATM or a post office.

5. What about Centeem?

Centeem is building a network of partner agents within this framework. The network is being rolled out across the 69 wilayas, and Centeem’s PSP licence application to the Bank of Algeria is in preparation (see our compliance page). Withdrawal fees are published on our pricing page.

Do you run a shop? Find out how to become a partner agent.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: Bank of Algeria (Instruction No. 06-2025, articles 16 to 27; ATM statistics), Algérie Poste (Cardless service, via Algérie-Eco and Algérie360; 600 new ATMs, via Radio Algérie).