Free-to-use cash machines at risk of being closed down
ATM network Link could slash the number under new proposals following row over the level of fees card providers pay each other.
HUNDREDS of free-to-use cash machines could be closed down, under new plans being considered.
Members of Link, which runs the UK's cash machine network, are looking at slashing the number of free cash machines on the high street.
The move would spark fears about the impact it would have on vulnerable customers.
At the beginning of the year, The Sun Online reported Brits could soon be charged for using Link cash machines following a row between its members.
That row was over the fees card providers pay to each other when their customers withdraw cash and the new proposals are again due to the "interchange fee".
Each time you use a cash machine, the card issuer pays a fee to the ATM operator for each transaction.
It means those banks and building societies with the most customers end up paying more to keep withdrawals free.
In total, there are 70,000 ATM machines, around 55,000 of which are free to use - but the cost of running the network is now around £1billion and some members are concerned the costs are becoming too high.
A spokeswoman for Link told The Sun Online that any reduction in the number of machines would likely be in areas where there are multiple ATMs already.
Chief exec John Howells added: "Extensive free access to cash is vital for consumers and we intend to maintain this for many years to come."
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In May, Link launched a new app which shows users where their nearest free cash machine is.
Any changes would raise fresh fears about customers' access to services, amid concerns over the amount of bank branches closing.
Research from Which? revealed high street banks closed more than 1,000 branches between 2015 and 2017.
The plans will be sent to the 30 members of Link on Wednesday.
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