Post Office branches recorded nearly 40 million cash transactions in the first three months of 2026, marking the highest first quarter on record as households and businesses continue to rely on coins and banknotes. According to the Post Office's 'cash tracker' figures, 39.8 million cash transactions – including withdrawals and deposits – were made between January and March.
Deposits among business and personal customers rose by 6% compared with the same period in 2025, while the total value of cash withdrawals also increased by 6%. A particularly strong March performance was driven by households preparing for Easter and the school break, with holiday-related spending, travel and cash withdrawals contributing to the uplift, alongside continued cost-of-living pressures influencing budgeting habits.
The average value of a personal cash withdrawal in the first quarter was £139, up 7% year-on-year, while the average personal cash deposit rose by 2% to £297. Business cash activity remained 'resilient', with cash continuing to play a dependable role for many firms managing takings and cash flow through their local branch.
Maggie Roberts, postmaster at Storth Post Office in Cumbria, said: 'Cash and banking services make up around 75% of my business and they are extremely important for the Storth community. Many of our customers rely on us to be able to withdraw cash, pay in money and deposit cheques closer to home. Around 60% of the village are retirees and they do not want to travel that far, so services offered by a Post Office really matter.'
Ben Hunter Woollard, head of banking at Post Office, added: 'These record-breaking figures show how important Post Office branches remain for millions of people and businesses across the UK who want convenient, secure access to cash services on their doorsteps. For households, being able to withdraw and deposit cash at their local Post Office can be a simple way to stay on top of spending, manage budgets and handle everyday finances with confidence, particularly when family budgets are under pressure.'
