New figures from the UK's leading cash machine network operator, Link, have revealed a significant decline in ATM usage, with the average person making just 15 visits to cash machines throughout the entirety of last year. This represents a notable shift in consumer behaviour as digital payment methods continue to gain traction across the nation.
Substantial Drop in Cash Withdrawals and Frequency
The data indicates that during these visits, individuals typically withdrew an average of £1,352 from holes-in-the-wall in 2025. This figure marks a 5% decrease compared to the average withdrawal of £1,424 recorded in the previous year, 2024. In broader terms, people aged 16 and over conducted a total of 832 million cash withdrawals last year, which is approximately 9% fewer than the number processed in 2024.
Link has emphasised that ATMs still constitute the majority of cash withdrawals within the UK, surpassing transactions conducted via cashback services and over-the-counter dealings at bank branches, post offices, and emerging banking hubs. Interestingly, the research suggests a changing pattern: while people are visiting ATMs less frequently, they tend to withdraw larger sums of cash on each occasion when they do make a trip.
Regional Disparities in Cash Reliance Across the UK
The report highlights stark regional variations in cash dependency. Northern Ireland maintained its position as the most "cash heavy" part of the United Kingdom, with residents withdrawing an average of £2,249 during 2025. Conversely, the south west of England recorded the lowest average withdrawal, where consumers took out just £974 over the year.
This regional figure is particularly significant as it marks the first instance in Link's recorded data where the average annual cash withdrawal has fallen below the £1,000 threshold in any UK region, underscoring the accelerating move away from physical currency in certain areas.
Broader Financial Context: Housing and Commodities
This news on declining cash usage arrives alongside other key financial developments. In the property market, experts anticipate a pick-up in the house price recovery. The Nationwide Building Society reported that average house prices recovered by 0.3% last month following a decline in December.
On an annual basis, prices saw a 1% increase in January, elevating the average house price to £270,873. Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, commented: "Housing market activity is likely to recover in the coming quarters, especially if the improving affordability trend seen last year is maintained."
Sharp Retreat for Precious Metals
In global markets, gold and silver prices have experienced a rapid retreat from recent record highs. This sell-off was triggered by US President Donald Trump's nomination for the incoming chairman of the Federal Reserve, former Fed governor Kevin Warsh, which soothed investor nerves.
The move boosted the US dollar but reduced appetite for traditional safe-haven investments like gold and silver. In early trading, gold was down 7% at just over $4,500 a troy ounce, while silver slumped 13% to $74. This follows a dramatic plunge late last week, with silver falling nearly 30% on Friday and gold dropping over 9% in its worst one-day decline since 1983.
The trends in cash usage, housing, and commodities collectively paint a picture of an evolving financial landscape where digital transactions are becoming increasingly dominant, even as traditional assets like property show signs of resilience and precious metals react sharply to geopolitical and policy developments.
