ATMs on the increase as watchdog raises concerns
branches. Almost nine in 10 customers who use the branches in question already use alternative branches or currently use mobile, digital or telephone services to conduct their everyday banking needs.”
Figures from cash machine provider Link revealed the number of ATMs in Scotland charging for cash went up by 565 last year. It said there are now 5866 ATMs in Scotland, with 1396 of them charging.
A separate study by Which? found that 43 free-to-use cash points are disappearing every month in Scotland.
Which? also found that in Scotland’s biggest town Paisley, 21 of the 65 ATMs surveyed were charging people between 99p and £1.85 for withdrawals.
Stuart Mackinnon, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “At the very least, banks closing branches should commit to servicing local cash machines – especially those that continue to be well-used.”
The Clydesdale Bank also admits the number of cash machines at its branches dropped from 100 in 2017 to 92 last year.
In 2018, it sold 237 terminals at petrol stations and convenience stores to private firm Notemachine on the condition they would be free to use for a minimum of three years. A spokesman said: “Clydesdale Bank only provides free-to- use ATMs which are located in our branch locations, with at least one external ATM being available at all of our locations as well.”
Earlier this month, it was revealed that one in four cash machines in Scotland charge customers to withdraw money.
The charity Age Scotland say it’s vital that elderly people do not have to make long journeys to access cash machines.
Director Michelle Supple added: “We were extremely disappointed by the TSB’s announcement that it’ll close a further 17 branches and ATMs across Scotland.
“It’s yet another slap in the face to loyal customers, many of whom are older, disabled or don’t have internet access.
“Bank branches and free-to-use ATMs have been disappearing from our high streets at an alarming rate. Many towns and villages are being left with no service at all.
“Age Scotland is calling on the UK Government to ensure every older person has easy and free access to banking services and cash, wherever they live.”
The Bank of Scotland said it has shut 15 ATMs in Scotland in the last two years. A spokeswoman added: “In some cases, this is because we’ve had branches with multiple ATMs and have removed a single unit due to customers visiting less.
“We’re committed to ma i nt a i n i n g access to ca sh, including free-to-use ATMs, a longside other ways of accessing cash locally.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland said its policy is not to remove an ATM f rom a closing branch should there be no other freeto - use termina l within 0.6 miles.
A spokeswoman added: ” We operate the largest ATM estate of any bank, all of which are free to use and includes over 700 cash dispensers in Scotland.
“We’re committed to ensuring cash continues to be available to customers through a sustainable network.”