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Millions still use or rely on cash
More people are using cards and digital forms of payment than ever. But cash remains essential for many, with billions of cash payments and millions of cash withdrawals still made each year.
According to a 2024 report from UK Finance, cash was still the second most frequently used way to pay in 2023 after debit cards. Some people find it easier to budget and stay in control of their money with cash. For others, paying in cash is a way to maintain a feeling of community.
Small businesses often prefer to take cash rather than card payments. And some appreciate the personal interaction it enables with customers.
Why cash still matters
Even with digital payments growing, cash remains vital:
- It helps with budgeting: Some people find managing money easier with cash
- It works when digital payments fail: Cash is useful if card machines or online banking stop working
- It offers privacy: Cash transactions don’t track your spending
- It’s essential if you don’t bank online: Some people feel more secure using cash, others simply prefer banking in person
- It’s ideal for gifts: Lots of people prefer giving or receiving cash as a present
As one local business owner put it: “That tangible element to cash is still very important, particularly with local businesses and communities.”
Access to cash near you
In an ever more digital world, cash is still crucial for millions. Watch this film to see the difference it makes for many of them.
We’re committed to maintaining access to cash near you. That’s why you can pay in and take out cash, deposit cheques, and even get change1 at thousands of Post Office branches across the UK.
Who relies on cash the most?
Some people simply prefer to use cash, while others depend on it. Here are some examples.
Older adults
Many pensioners still use cash for their shopping and bills. Some find digital banking confusing, while others prefer the security of handling their money in person.
One elderly customer explained how important it is to be able to get cash locally:
“I came to England in 1959. Things have changed a lot in this city, and I still use cash day to day. Without cash, I'd be cut off. But with it, I’m living.”
People on a budget
For those carefully managing their finances, using cash can be a helpful way to stick to a budget. Setting aside a fixed amount in cash makes it easier to control spending.
“Without cash, I’d struggle,” one single parent told us, explaining it helped her stay on top of things. “I rely on cash a lot, especially when I became a single parent and money was sparse.”
Small business owners
Many businesses still use cash or prefer cash. They might sell their goods at places where customers mostly carry cash, such as local marketplaces. Or they may deal with suppliers who want immediate payment.
They might also be concerned about keeping lots of cash lying around the home. Having somewhere to pay it in locally and regularly, possibly even in extended hours, could be both handy and reassuring.
One business owner said:
“Most companies want cash on delivery. Unless you have it in that moment, then it can cause issues.”
People in vulnerable situations
For some people, access to cash isn’t just about convenience. It’s about security.
One woman shared how cash gave her a way to escape an unsafe situation:
“I was in an abusive relationship. The only money I had was child benefit. If I'd wanted to disappear, without having that cash, I wouldn't have been able to.”
Access cash and banking at Post Office
To help you and millions of others take out and pay in your money easily, we've teamed up with Cash Access UK and the main banks to offer banking services wherever you find us.
You can take out and pay in cash and deposit cheques or check your balance, for both personal and business accounts, at thousands of Post Office branches. Many of these are open extended hours, ideal if you can’t get in in during the day.
We also operate an increasing number of Banking Hubs, where you can get extra banking support and speak to staff from your own bank.
Banking Hubs are shared spaces where customers from different banks can access their services in one place. They provide extra support for those who need it, offering a similar experience to a traditional bank branch.
You’ll also find free-to-use ATMs either inside or outside many of our branches, for convenient cash withdrawals or to check your balance and manage your PIN.
What you can do at a Post Office branch and Banking Hub
At Post Office branches, you can
- Get cash out from most UK personal and business bank accounts
- Pay in cash and cheques
- Check your balance
- Request change (with some business accounts)
Find out more about banking services at our branches
Or find your nearest Post Office branch that offers banking services.
What you can do at a Banking Hub
Banking Hubs are owned by Cash Access UK and run by Post Office. Customers from different banks can access their services in one place. This includes the services available in Post Office branches. But there’s also extra support for those who need it, including the chance to speak to community bankers from their own bank on specific days.
Banking Hubs offer a similar experience to a traditional bank branch.
Key takeaways
- Access to cash and banking services remains essential for many
- We’ve partnered with the major UK banks to offer these services in thousands of Post Office branches
- Banking Hubs in more communities also offer access to cash, banking community bankers
- Plus you can take out cash or check your balance at free-to-use ATMs at many of our branches
Need to take out or pay in cash? We can help with that
Common questions about everyday banking
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Yes, you can take out money from most UK bank accounts at any Post Office branch that offers banking services. Some branches also have free-to-use ATMs. Use our branch finder or ATM locator to find one near you.
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Most major UK banks let customers bank at Post Office branches. Check our banking services page for the full list, for both personal and business accounts.
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Yes. Business banking services are available thousands of Post Office branches around the UK. The services available vary depending on the bank but can include:
- Paying in cash and cheques
- Taking out cash
- Checking your account balance
- Change giving (with some business banking accounts)
Please check our banking services page for an overview or, for more details, contact your bank directly.
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Yes, if your bank offers this service - you’ll also need a paying-in slip and branded envelope from your bank. To find out what you’ll need to pay cheques in, visit our banking services page and select your bank.
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Each bank sets its own limits for cash withdrawals and deposits. Check with your bank to find out how much you can pay in or take out at a Post Office branch.
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Not yet. Banking Hubs are opening in some areas, but thousands of Post Office branches offer banking services too. Check where we’ve already opened Banking Hubs and if we’re opening a hub near you.
Banking and paying bills
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Banking services
Access your personal or business bank account at thousands of Post Office branches. Pay in cash and cheques, take out cash or check your balance1
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Banking Hubs
Do your banking face to face at a growing number of Banking Hubs, operated by Post Office in partnership with major banks
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Bill payments
Pay your utility bills, rent and council tax or buy top-ups, transport tickets and more at 24,000 Post Office and Payzone locations UK-wide
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Footnotes
1 Some banks may charge for certain services. Please ask your bank for details. Some restrictions apply. Your bank may choose to offer some or all services through Post Office. Please ask staff for details.