It would have been terrible before 1980s for this reason

Wouldn't matter to me. I've only used an ATM one time in my life, about 28 years ago.

If I needed money before there were ATMs I would just go to a supermarket and cash a check.

People tended to keep a lot more cash on them (or at home) back in the day also (for the reasons that you mentioned in your post).

Maybe, but I remember back in the 90s everyone paid for stuff with cheque.

Tillie the Teller

Back in the old days people used to get paid in cash on payday. Most of the time you would only go to the bank if you wanted to put money in, not take it out. And yes for buying more expensive things or paying rent we had cheque books.

No, it wasn't. Pre-1980s were better in many ways:

Strangers started conversations with each other all the time in public while waiting on line, for a bus or on a train.

Food was more wholesome with natural ingredients instead of chemicals and preservatives.

Children went outside by themselves to play or the store. Adults not needed.

Carrying plenty of cash wasn't necessary because items were cheaper.

Friendly neighborhood Mom and Pop stores would allow you to buy on credit or lend you a few bucks.

Comic books were affordable so every kid read them.

There were record stores, ice cream shops, toy stores, book stores, candy stores, magazine stores and other fun places to hangout.

Social movements flourished because of activism. People knew how to create change and build a better society. People helped each other.

Minimum wage meant you could afford an apartment, food to eat and entertainment.

One salary could support a family.

Doctor bills were affordable. Doctors made house calls.

People used checks. Ordering by C.O.D. was common. That's charge on delivery. Customers bought on credit. That meant making payments to the store until the item was paid in full.

People were happier.

One dealt with life as it was at the time. We planned ahead.