Since the beginning of 2018, 250 free ATM closures, on average, took place each month in the UK.

According to LINK’s ATM Footprint Report, between January and July 2018, 1,300 free-to-use ATMs were shuttered. This sees a reduction of 2%, from 54,000 to 53,200.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Moreover, the network coordinator predicts that the drop could be as high as 11% over a four-year period.

In addition, pay-to-use ATMs also suffered a decline. They saw an 11% drop in the first six months of 2018, from 13,400 to 11,900. At its highest, there were over 27,000 pay to use ATMs in 2007.

Free ATM distribution

Currently, 80% of free-to-use ATMs are within 300 metres of another ATM.

LINK has specific arrangements to protect free ATMs more than one kilometre away from their next nearest free-to-use ATM. LINK is targeting all 2,365 of these free machines in remote and rural areas to stay open, unless there is another cash source nearby. 21 of these ATMs are not currently available, through closure or other operational reasons.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Consumers are also able to use the Post Office to withdraw cash. There are 11,600 Post Offices in the UK with this function.

Some UK constituencies are faring better than others. Great Yarmouth has a total of 183 ATMs, but 83 of them are pay to use.

However, Sheffield Hallam has only 19 free ATMs and 12 that are pay-to-use.

Moving away from cash

John Howells, CEO at LINK, said: “Consumers are continuing to switch from cash to alternative payment methods, and ATM volumes are falling 6% year-on-year.

“Given this backdrop, it’s critical we protect cash access for those who rely on it and maintain a comprehensive network of ATMs that are spread right across the UK.

“The report today is part of our commitment to monitor the situation on the ground and do whatever it takes to ensure people continue to have the free access to cash they want.”