NEW super ATMs are to launch in 17 UK locations where branch closures have left residents unable to access essential banking services.
The ATMs will allow customers to withdraw funds, access their balance, change PIN numbers and deposit cash.
The machines are the only ATMs in the UK allowing people to deposit cash across a number of banking providers.
Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank are already signed up to allow deposits, with more banks set to sign up soon.
The first of these super ATMs have been launched in Atherstone in Warwickshire, Swanage in Dorset and Heathfield in East Sussex, with more to follow shortly.
The areas to receive a super ATM in the first stage of the rollout are:
The deposit machines have been launched by Cash Access UK, which was set up to protect nationwide access to cash, with the ambition of improving deposit services for individuals and small businesses across the country.
The Sun has asked for exact dates of when the super ATMs will launch in these locations.
Gareth Oakley, chief executive at Cash Access UK, said: “Access to deposit-taking ATMs is vital for cash-reliant UK consumers struggling to access basic banking services and it’s just as important that businesses who accept cash can bank it too.
“This innovative new service has only been made possible through exceptional industry wide collaboration, of the banks, LINK and leading providers of ATM services.”
Thousands of banks have been shutting branches in recent years, with some having now disappeared from the high street entirely.
Banks and building societies have shut 5,908 branches since 2015 — at a rate of 54 each month — to almost half the number of branches that existed a decade ago.
Since 2022 almost 1,500 branch closures have been announced, according to data from ATM provider LINK, with 200 further closures slated for the remainder of 2024.
Barclays has shrunk its network the most, with 1,168 closed, followed by Natwest, Lloyds and Santander, according to Which? data.
Many people, particularly the elderly, still rely on in-person services and the closures make it more difficult for this demographic to access services.
But there are still a number of ways in which affected customers can access basic banking services.
Most basic tasks can be completed at Post Office branches, but its 12,000 branches cannot help customers to open new bank accounts or take out personal loans and mortgages.
Many banks also offer a mobile banking service, which is where your bank brings a bus to your local area that has the services that are usually available at your branch.
Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.
To help people access services banking hubs have launched to help plug the gap in access to financial services. With one even slated to open in a former public toilet.
These banking hubs, offer traditional shared services, with new locations being announced regularly.
SWITCHING bank accounts is a simple process and can usually be done through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
Dozens of high street banks and building societies are signed up – there’s a full list on CASS’ website.
Under the switching service, swapping banks should take seven working days.
You don’t have to remember to move direct debits across when moving, as this is done for you.
All you have to do is apply for the new account you want, and the new bank will tell your existing one you’re moving.
There are a few things you can do before switching though, including choosing your switch date and transferring any old bank statements to your new account.
You should get in touch with your existing bank for any old statements.
When switching current accounts, consider what other perks might come with joining a specific bank or building society.
Some banks offer 0% overdrafts up to a certain limit, and others might offer better rates on savings accounts.
And some banks offer free travel or mobile phone insurance with their current accounts – but these accounts might come with a monthly fee.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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