68,630 ATMs in the UK – more than ever before – 72% are free-to-use
34,733 ATMs in the UK-owned by independent non-bank ATM operators
New figures released today (12 November) by LINK, the UK’s cash machine network, reveal that for the first time cash machines owned by organisations other than banks and building societies account for more than half of all ATMs in the UK. There are currently 68,630 cash machines in the UK and 34,733 of these are run by independent ATM operators.
Independent ATM operators (IADs) first joined LINK in 1999 with their machines initially focusing on the pay-to-use market. However, over the years the number of free-to-use ATMs that they have installed has increased, and today they operate more than half of all free-to-use, non-bank or building society cash machines. Typically, machines of this nature can be found in supermarkets, shopping centres, convenience stores, airports, railway and Tube stations.
This increase in independently-owned machines has also resulted in a record number of free-to-use ATMs. Seventy-two percent of machines (49,542) across the UK do not charge customers for withdrawing cash.
John Howells, LINK CEO commented, “From small beginnings, the number of cash machines run by independent owners has grown enormously and they are now a vital part of the UK’s ATM Network. Consumers now have access to more free-to-use ATMs than ever before and it is increasingly these independent cash machine owners which are driving this growth.
IAD ATM numbers November 2014
