Fears over future of free ATMs in cash machine shake-up

Yesterday Link published a range of proposals included in its shake-up of the UK’s ATM network, including a cut in the fees it charges card companies from around 25p to 20p per withdrawal.

It said the changes - which would come into effect next April - would help protect the network, which currently includes 55,000 free-to-use machines.

Link said it was committed to maintaining an extensive network of free-to-use machines

but the ATM Industry Association criticised the plans.

The trade body warned that unprofitable machines would be shut down, leaving “ATM deserts”

where communities have no access to cash and other financial services.

The ATM Industry Association said: “An unwarranted shake-up of Link will hit the most hard-up the heaviest - particularly the millions of people who rely on cash for day-to-day budgeting,” said Ron Delnevo, of the association.

But Link chief executive John Howells said: “Free access to cash is vital for UK consumers and Link intends to maintain this for many years to come.”

He said Link’s financial inclusion programme will help maintain “extensive free access to cash for all in the UK”.