The value of cash machine withdrawals increased annually for the first time this year last week, according to figures from Link, with average amounts approaching £110.
Link, the ATM and cash access network, said the average amount withdrawn last Friday was just under £105, which it described as high for a day that was not the last working day of the month.
The £1.46 billion withdrawn from ATMs last week was slightly (less than 1%) up compared with the same period a year earlier, a figure Link called “unusual” and the only week so far this year to record an annual increase in the total value of withdrawals.
Signs of emergency preparedness
During 2026 so far, the total value withdrawn has been falling by 4.6% annually, Link said. In late October, Link recorded a jump in the average value of ATM withdrawals, in signs that some people could be responding to the Government’s advice to be ready for an emergency.
Cash is also used as a budgeting tool by some people.
Graham Mott, director of strategy at Link, said on Tuesday: “We’ve definitely seen an uplift in the average amounts that people are withdrawing.”
He added: “Pay day always sees an increase, but based on historical trends we’re definitely seeing more people take out an extra bit of cash when they do visit an ATM, with averages approaching £110.
“Long term, cash and ATM use is declining, but we know from our research that people like to use cash for budgeting and notes and coins are tactile.
“But there is often a view that people want to have the option to pay in cash.
“Cash may not be king for everyone, but it’s definitely an important part of a healthy and resilient payment system.”
Government advice and industry response
The Government has drawn up recommendations for households to have three days’ worth of bottled water and tinned food to deal with a crisis such as a war, an online attack or natural disaster.
On Tuesday, tinned tuna maker Princes revealed a surge in demand for canned food from Britons stockpiling essentials in response to the Government’s Be Ready campaign. It reported a rise in demand for products such as tinned fish, meat and vegetables since the public awareness campaign was launched on October 22.
Industry data from Worldpanel has also revealed sales of essentials jumped across the grocery sector after the Government advice.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said previously: “We’re having the conversation with people about being better prepared because we’re living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common.”
