The Importance of Secure Cash-in-Transit Services

For banks and financial institutions, every transaction is a matter of security and trust, making cash management a critical component of operational integrity. Digital payments have undoubtedly become more commonplace, but physical currency remains an integral part of commerce and banking. Trillions of dollars are still in circulation and a significant portion of the global population continues to rely on cash. 

Not All Cash Transport Services are the Same 

Choosing a Cash-in-Transit (CIT) services provider is a decision that affects everything from daily operations to long-term strategic goals. The right partner will not only significantly reduce the risk of theft and improve employee safety, but also streamline cash handling and free up valuable staff time to focus on core business activities. 

The FBI’s data on bank crime shows a dramatic decline in robberies over the past two decades. They have dropped from nearly 8,000 per year in 2003 to fewer than 2,000 per year in 2021, of which only two involved cash-in-transit incidents. These staggeringly low statistics reflect the strict protocols, specialized training and advanced technology used by professional, secure CIT providers who treat every aspect of cash management as a high-stakes security operation.  

Risks of Relying on Basic Cash Delivery Services 

An inadequate CIT service can expose financial institutions to a range of significant, long-term risks. These providers often lack the comprehensive measures needed to protect against modern threats and maintain operational efficiency. 

Cash delays can be a significant hidden cost as ATM downtime can damage your brand’s reputation and lead to customer frustration. Because a basic delivery service typically follows a fixed schedule regardless of actual demand, ATMs can frequently run out of cash during peak hours. 

Without a strict, transparent process, it’s almost impossible to accurately track cash. This leaves banks vulnerable to unresolved losses and internal disputes due to a lack of accountability and gaps in the chain of custody. Operating without real-time visibility into the location of your cash in transit means you cannot proactively manage delays or respond effectively to an incident. 

Many basic CIT providers also use unarmored vehicles and untrained personnel. Without the specialized expertise and equipment needed to handle the complexities of secure cash transport, assets and employees can be put at significant risk. 

Key Features of a Secure, Full-Scope CIT Provider 

When evaluating CIT providers, look for a partner who offers a full-scope solution. Brink’s takes a proactive approach to risk mitigation that is defined by these key features: 

• Secure armored transport: A robust fleet of vehicles is the most visible sign of a high-security CIT operation. Engineered to withstand robbery attempts, vehicles are equipped with advanced security features like CCTV systems, live GPS tracking,  reinforced construction and alarm systems.   

• Trained and vetted personnel: The frontline of a secure CIT service is its staff. Security personnel are extensively vetted with thorough background checks and receive ongoing training to respond to potential threats or attacks. 

• Robust chain of custody: A secure CIT provider maintains a strict, transparent chain of custody from the moment cash is collected to the time it is delivered. This includes sealed containers, detailed logs and accountability at every handoff, ensuring that every dollar is protected and accounted for. 

• Real-time visibility: With constant visibility into the status of your cash, you can track a deposit pick-up or ATM replenishment, giving you up-to-the-minute information and control over your assets. 

When is it Time to Upgrade to a Secure CIT Partner?  

If you’re experiencing frequent delays, missed deliveries that lead to ATM downtime or discrepancies in cash counts, it’s a clear sign that your current CIT partner isn’t meeting your needs. When evaluating a new CIT provider, look beyond just pricing. Ask questions that reveal their true capabilities and strategic value.

What are their security protocols for cash-in-transit? Do they have an armored fleet with tracking capabilities? How do they background check and train their personnel? Can they provide real-time reporting on cash status? How do they handle emergency situations?  

A strategic CIT partner isn’t just a transactional vendor; they become a seamless extension of your security and operations teams, offering enhanced efficiency, reduced risk and the freedom to reallocate your internal resources to more critical tasks. 

Why Financial Institutions Trust Brink’s AMS 

For over 160 years, Brink’s has set the industry standard for secure logistics, establishing a reputation built on expertise and reliability. We understand that for banks and financial institutions, asset protection is paramount. That’s why we invest heavily in the most up-to-date physical and technological security measures to provide a reliable and comprehensive solution for your ATM cash transportation needs. 

As a trusted partner to regional and national banks, we have a proven track record of helping financial institutions of all sizes secure their assets and optimize their ATM operations. Our in-country teams provide end-to-end, personalized support for your ATMs, bank branches and retail locations, giving you the benefit of both national coverage and local reliability. 

We employ highly trained, vetted and licensed security personnel and use a fleet of state-of-the-art armored vehicles equipped with advanced security features. Our comprehensive approach to security – from regular staff training to intelligence sharing with industry fraud groups – significantly mitigates the risk of internal and external threats. Cash and valuables are always fully insured and are moved under the strictest security conditions, whether by land or air, from the point of origin to the client’s chosen destination. 

Brink’s CIT services deliver tangible efficiency gains through advanced route optimization. Cash forecasting models ensure ATMs are replenished efficiently, reducing idle cash in machines and cutting transportation costs. Optimized routing also reduces the carbon footprint of our vehicles, making them more environmentally friendly. 

When you’re choosing a partner to outsource your ATM CIT services, ask yourself if you’re simply moving money or actively managing risk? For banks and financial institutions that prioritize security, efficiency and customer satisfaction, a secure CIT partner is the only way forward. 

Secure your assets, optimize your operations and gain peace of mind with the industry’s most trusted partner.

Ready to upgrade to a secure CIT partner? Contact Brink’s today.