Why access to cash must endure

Over the past few months, our payments habits have changed significantly. Many of us have been paying with contactless more, using banking apps to manage our money, and as a society we have migrated in greater numbers to shopping online.

These digital solutions have been fundamental in helping the nation maintain a semblance of normal financial life in 2020. But there are millions of people who are still dependent on cash for their day-to-day living, whether that’s because they are geographically isolated, the elderly who have grown up with and trust it, or small businesses or sole traders who transact in cash.

That’s why it’s vital that as a country we continue to provide and protect access to cash, and why we're proud to be working with the Post Office to take ownership of, modernise and operate around 1,400 free ATMs across the UK.