Do you really know? Will ATMs disappear?
Jul 29, 2025
The decline of free ATMs in the UK is raising eyebrows, with a notable 6% drop recently. This trend mirrors changing habits, as cash withdrawals plummeted from £2.2 billion in 2019 to £1.5 billion in 2023. The pandemic accelerated the move away from cash, with only 15% of payments in 2021 being made using cash. While most adults use cash rarely, some, like the elderly, are still dependent on it. The discussion explores whether cash payments are truly facing extinction and what that means for ATM access.
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Why ATMs Are Declining
- The decline in ATMs in the UK is driven by reduced cash usage and economic reasons like high maintenance costs.
- New solutions like cashback services and banking hubs ensure most people remain close to a cash access point.
Cash Usage Decline & Dependence
- Cash payments have sharply declined since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital payment adoption.
- Despite this, certain groups like older adults still depend heavily on cash.
Cash's Continued Importance
- Cash is not disappearing because it remains important for budgeting and small transactions.
- New laws and banking hubs protect cash access for those who need it.