A leading cash expert has warned that the UK is losing “genuinely convenient 24-7 cash access” as the latest LINK report finds that the ATM network continues to shrink, despite millions of consumers still relying on cash.
LINK’s data released today (Jan 30) shows that by the end of 2025, there were 5 per cent per cent fewer cash machines than at the end of 2024 (46,182 vs 42,403). Of these, 35,468 are free-to-use, down from 37,361 and 8,693 charging ATMs, down from 9,101.
Responding to new figures published today (Jan 30) by LINK, cash activits Ron Delnevo said the steady reduction in machines amounted to “around seven ATMs being ripped out every single day since 2018”.
“The British public have been robbed of genuinely convenient 24-7 cash access – because ATMs are the only way such access can be provided,” stated Delnevo, who is chair and spokesperson of the Payment Choice Alliance.
LINK report shows that despite the shift towards digital payments, UK adults withdrew on an average £1,352 from cash machines in 2025.
In total, adults over the age of 16, made 832 million cash withdrawals last year, 87 million (9%) less than in 2024. This works out at approximately 15 trips to the ATM per person, withdrawing an average of £92 each time.
ATMs represent 87 per cent of all cash withdrawals in the UK, ahead of cashback and counter transactions at bank branches, post offices and banking hubs.
Within the data, it is clear that every region and nation across the UK saw a fall in total cash withdrawals. This was highest in London with a decrease of 11%, lowest in Northern Ireland with a decrease of 6%. The average value of cash withdrawn increased from £87 to £92 across the whole UK. This complements LINK’s ongoing research, consumers are visiting ATMs less often, but withdrawing more cash when they do.
Northern Ireland remains the most cash heavy part of the UK with consumers withdrawing an average £2,249 in 2025. The second and third heaviest regions were Scotland (£1,550) and the North-West (£1,529). The average cash withdrawn was lowest in the South-West, where the average consumer withdrew £974. This is the first time the average has dropped below £1,000 in any region.
While more people are choosing to pay using contactless and digital payments, cash remains popular. Recent research by LINK shows that while only half of adults (48%) carry a physical purse or wallet with them on a daily basis, 51% say they have used cash in the last week.
Additionally, more than six-in-ten (61%) have experienced payment failures; for one-third, system outages were to blame. Of those experiencing payment failures, a fifth were forced to abandon purchases, and more than one-in-ten had to rely on others to foot the bill.
Commenting on LINK's findings, Graham Mott, Director of Strategy, LINK: “Digital payments are increasingly popular and our data shows that millions are comfortable and happy to leave their home relying on their digital wallet on their smartwatch or smartphone.
"Even though usage is falling in every part of the UK, cash remains resilient, and essential to millions of people. LINK’s job is to ensure that we continue to have excellent access to cash on every high street across the UK.”