Cash machine charges will hit poor hardest: Positive Money comment on free ATM closures

Responding to research by Which? showing that 1,700 ATMs switched to charging in the first three months of 2019, David Clarke, head of policy at Positive Money said:

“The shocking trend of free cash machine closures will only accelerate unless the recent cuts to the amount banks pay to maintain Britain’s ATM network are reversed. Fees for cash withdrawals hit the poor hardest, with those on low incomes more likely to rely on cash for their day-to-day shopping.

“The Government must urgently intervene and task a regulator with protecting access to cash, so that the evolution of payments can serve consumers rather than the interests of banks and card companies.”

About Positive Money

Positive Money campaigns for a money and banking system which supports a fair, democratic and sustainable economy. Set up in the aftermath of the financial crisis, Positive Money is a not-for-profit company funded by charitable trusts and foundations, as well as small donations from its network of over 65,000 supporters.