More than 80% of Brits feel it is important to have access to a free local cash machine following a bank closure, research from ATM operator Cardtronics has found.

The survey also suggests independent cash machines were visited at least once a week by 62% of the 2,000 adults surveyed. Individual withdrawals from cash machines totalled £25 on average. 83% said cash was important for small purchases, while more than 70% preferred it over card transactions for speed, ease of use and convenience.

Cardtronics UK managing director Tim Halford said: “While we can see that cash and ATMs remain an important part of the way we handle our finances, our use of these services is growing to become largely independent from any specific bank affiliation.

“As banking moves online, ATMs and self-service innovation are key in ensuring that a basic financial infrastructure remains in local communities.”

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