New figures released today (4 September) by Link, the UK’s cash machine network, reveal that the number of ATMs in the UK reached 70,180 in July, surpassing 70,000 for the first time.
The growing number of cash machines reflects the essential role cash continues to play in the UK economy.
ATM figures from July, also published by LINK today, highlighted the enduring preference for cash in the UK – as the total amount withdrawn from cash machines in July 2015 increased by 4% compared with July 2014 (£11.3 billion in July 2015 versus £10.9 billion in July 2014).
During 2014 (January to December), the UK’s cash machines, of which over 50,000 are free-to-use, were used 2.8 billion times to withdraw £189 billion.
John Howells, Chief Executive of LINK, commented:
“Despite cards, contactless payments and digital payments becoming ever more popular, our latest figures show that cash still has a very important place in our purses and wallets. In fact, 47 million UK adults, or 92% of us, used a cash machine in the UK last year.
“With cash machine numbers at a new record high of 70,000, LINK is committed to continuing to make sure everybody has safe, reliable and easy access to their cash.”