Cardtronics fires latest salvo in debate over access to cash

The research, commissioned by Cardtronics, the cash machine provider, found that 55% thought they were being given no choice over cashless payment.

Nearly 60% said that if local shops stopped taking cash then shopping would become very difficult.

The Cardtronics survey is the latest chapter in an argument between companies that provide cash services and those that wish to promote card payments.

Cardtronics argued after its recent research that the reduction in the number of cash machines is another factor forcing people to abandon cash, with 74% unwilling to walk 1km to their nearest cash machine.

The company has sent a letter to the Treasury to express concern about what it says is the increasing lack of access to cash.

Marc Terry, Cardtronics international managing director, said: “Our survey demonstrates the real concerns consumers have over access to cash and the reduction in cash acceptance across the UK.

“Cardtronics is calling on the government to protect the UK’s ATM network and ensure that all retailers accept cash in-store.

“Action is needed now so that the underbanked are not left behind and everyone retains the right to choose how they pay.

“The anti-cash lobby has tried hard to use the pandemic to promote other forms of payments and extinguish cash use.

“But the fact remains that cash is still the preferred payment method for many, and we need government action to protect it before it’s too late.”