Financial Inclusion Programme

Financial Inclusion

Many people are choosing to use less cash. But for millions, cash is still a lifeline. It’s our job to make sure people who want or need cash can still access it for free.

As people use cash less, the number of cash machines will reduce. Where there are lots of machines to choose from, we don’t think that is a problem.

But where there are fewer options, we need to act. That’s why we spend over £1m a month making sure free cash machines are still available where they are needed.

All this work is overseen by our Independent Consumer Council. With them, we will keep working to ensure that people can access cash, for free.

Funding good access

Where there is just one cash machine in a town or village, we make sure it stays there, and stays free of charge.

Our Protected ATM receive funding to make sure that our members keep cash machines available on high streets across the country.

Where there is no alternative nearby, we can pay a member up to around 10 times the amount it would normally get if there were lots of cash machines nearby.

Supporting cash access in deprived areas

Monitoring cash access in 2,805 deprived areas is a crucial part of our Financial Inclusion Programme. We know that people in these areas are more likely to rely on cash, so making sure that they have good options nearby is crucial.

We offer financial support for cash machines serving these communities, and our work is overseen by the Consumer Council.

We also publish a list of areas where we think free access to cash can be improved.

Working with Communities

We replace cash machines where there is not good access. We expect every high street to have free cash access within 1km. If you know somewhere that needs better free access to cash, you can help us do this.

Innovating

We also look at innovative new ways of cash access. We supported the introduction of cash at the till, and can help communities get access to £5 notes as well.

Find the best way for you to take your cash out

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