LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, has now funded 100 ATMs across the UK following requests from local people, since launching the scheme in October 2019 to serve communities which otherwise wouldn’t have free access to cash.
Following the first machine going live in Durness, Northwest Highlands, the 100th machine has been installed in Handsworth, Birmingham. Based on the Holyhead Road near The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion, the new free to use ATM was installed following a community request after a nearby alternative machine began charging.
In total, the machines have served one million customers and over £65m has been withdrawn from them.
Of the ATMs that are installed, 41 machines have replaced an ATM which was previously charging but is now free including Abertillery, Glasgow and Nuneaton. LINK noted that some communities have saved as much as £20,000 a year because of that change, with the average community where LINK has done this saving over £8,000 a year in transaction fees.
The UK’s banks and building societies have provided the financial support for the scheme.
ATMs have been installed in rural locations with poor access to cash, places where geographic barriers make it hard to access cash, and in locations where free cash wasn’t available 7 days a week. Any member of the public can apply via LINK’s website.
“There are 10 million people who would struggle in a cashless society and we know firsthand how important the local ATM, bank branch or Post Office is to millions of consumers,” John Howells, chief executive of LINK, said.
“Understandably, inflation, higher fuel prices and energy bills are all placing greater strains on people’s incomes. For many, especially those who are older, disabled or living on lower incomes, there’s still no substitute to cash. We’re pleased to see the government is bringing forward legislation to protect access to cash. It means LINK can continue to support communities like Handsworth and others across the UK.”
