Access To Cash UK Financial Conduct Authority And UK Payment Systems Regulator Joint Statement
Date
13/05/2021
Access to cash and banking services remain vital for many consumers and businesses. Our Financial Lives Survey in 2020 found that 5 million adults use cash for most of their purchases. The pandemic has led to more people becoming familiar with contactless card payments and internet shopping.
The overall decline in the use of cash makes it more expensive to maintain the existing infrastructure that supports it. However, as we move out of the pandemic, cash continues to serve a socially useful purpose for many communities. Following a fall in ATM withdrawals of 40% year-on-year across 2020, withdrawals have started to increase again since restrictions have begun to ease.