Britons are set to make a dash for cash on Christmas Eve, with the day predicted to be the busiest for ATM withdrawals across the UK in 2025.
According to forecasts from Link, the nation's main cash machine network, close to £370 million is expected to be taken out on Wednesday 24 December. With Christmas falling midweek, the traditional last-minute shopping rush will see people withdrawing an average of just over £120 per transaction.
Festive Spending Habits Revealed
Accompanying research commissioned by Link and conducted by YouGov surveyed more than 2,100 UK adults in December. It paints a detailed picture of the nation's Christmas shopping strategies.
The study found that nearly half (48%) of festive shoppers prefer to spread their purchases throughout the month. However, 7% admit to leaving it to the final few days, with this figure rising to 10% among those under 25.
When it comes to where people are buying, over half (57%) are turning to online retailers. Meanwhile, 48% are browsing in shopping centres and 46% favour independent high street shops. The data shows a generational split: over-55s lean towards physical stores, while younger adults are more likely to hunt for bargains on online platforms and second-hand marketplaces.
Cash Remains a Key Choice for Festive Outings
Despite the growth of digital payments, cash is holding its own for seasonal socialising. The survey indicated that 41% of shoppers are carrying a wallet or purse to give themselves a choice of payment methods for festive outings, from pub trips to Christmas markets.
In terms of budgeting, more than a third (35%) of those who celebrate Christmas said they are keeping a close eye on their spending, and 18% have set money aside over the course of the year specifically to cover the costs.
Graham Mott, Link's director of strategy, commented: "Christmas is always a special time and for cash machines it is the busiest time of the year. As Christmas falls midweek, we’d expect Christmas Eve to be the busiest day."
He added: "It’s interesting to know that so many people have already completed their shopping, but as ever, there’ll be quite a few of us leaving it until the last couple of days. The ATMs will be well stocked for last-minute gifts."
A Look Back at Record Withdrawals
While Christmas Eve 2025 is forecast to be the peak day for the year, it will not break the all-time record for the Link network. That title remains with 22 December 2017, when a staggering £766 million was withdrawn from cash machines across the country.
The annual surge highlights the enduring, though changing, role of physical money during the festive period, as people prepare for last-minute gifts, charitable donations, and traditional outings.
