LINK's Consumer Council welcomes free-to-use ATM numbers reaching an all time high.

In its annual report, the LINK's Consumer Council welcomes the increase in the number of free-to-use cash machines installed in the UK’s more deprived areas.

To download the report click here. 

The number of free-to-use cash machines in the UK now totals 45,033, which accounts for 68% of the UK’s 65,884 ATMs.

Access to cash has been a long-standing area of focus for the industry. In 2006 LINK Scheme members, the government and local communities across the UK came together to identify areas with a lack of access to free cash. Since then more than 850 free-to-use ATMs have been installed in deprived areas, with 95% of all the key areas identified having one of these machines within the area or within one kilometre from the area’s centre.

Dr. Ken Andrew, Chairman of the LINK Consumer Council commented:

“The increase in the number of free-to-use ATMs underlines the effectiveness of the industry in providing free access to cash across the whole of the UK. These new cash machines have brought local free-of-charge access to cash to around 2 million people previously without a free-to-use cash machine in their area.”

Other notable achievements highlighted in the Consumer Council report include:

• The Charity Donations scheme, which went live on 20 June 2012. Customers can now make charitable donations at over 12,345 ATMs, to over 45 different charities.
• The number of ATMs dispensing £5 notes grew to 5,435 and nearly £200 million is withdrawn in fivers from LINK ATMs per month.
• The LINK ATM Scheme played an active role in maintaining cash distribution during the London 2012 Olympics.
• The LINK ATM Scheme sponsors a dedicated ATM PhD at Central Saint Martins College.