News

New figures from LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, show that cash continues to play a central role in how millions of people manage their money. In 2025, consumers withdrew £76.7 billion from LINK ATMs, with 1.27bn transactions being recorded across the year.

This represents a four per cent decline in value on 2024 (£80.0bn) and an eight per cent decline in transactions (2024, 1.39bn). LINK transactions represent 77% of all ATM transactions, most of the remainder being where consumers use their own bank or building society’s ATMs. 87% of cash withdrawals are made via cash machines, followed by cards over the counter at bank branches, post offices or banking hubs, then cashing a cheque/ using a passbook and cashback.

While ATM use naturally evolves as more people choose digital payments, the data shows that cash remains a trusted and widely used option. Average withdrawal values continue to rise, and many households still rely on cash for day-to-day budgeting and financial control. The average ATM withdrawal value in 2025 was £92.11. LINK data shows the most popular places to use cash remain convenience stores, supermarkets and paying between friends and family.

The busiest day at ATMs in 2025 was 19th December when £355 million was withdrawn.

Graham Mott, Director of Strategy, LINK: “While the variance to 2024 changes month to month, the overall downward trend remains is clear. However, cash remains important to many people and £76 billion was still withdrawn from LINK ATMs last year. People may be visiting cash machines less often and some are relying exclusively on a digital wallet on their phone, but cash continues to be a vital budgeting tool for many and average withdrawal values are rising. It remains an essential and resilient payment choice for millions.”