Thousands of UK Customers Benefitting from Free-to-Use ATMs

Bank Machine, the UK’s Premier ATM Operator, has today announced it is teaming up with four UK Building Societies in order to save the public from the demise of cash machines on the high street.

Bank Machine has joined up with West Bromwich Building Society, Principality Building Society, Furness Building Society and Saffron Building Society, to install free-to-use ATMs at sites throughout the UK.

More installations with these and other Building Societies are planned during 2009.

A recent report found that on average, more than 200 bank branches are closed a year, reducing the number of ATMs on the high street.[1]

As the branches disappear, so does the public’s access to cash. With more banks facing trouble this year, this figure could rise, leaving consumers completely stranded. Bank Machine and Building societies around the country have decided to step up to fill this void to ensure consumers don’t lose out.

Ron Delnevo, Managing Director of Bank Machine, said: “There’s no denying that closing branches are part of bank’s cost saving schemes. But we need to remember that when you take away a branch, you take away a customer’s access to cash. This is unacceptable since cash remains the most important means of payment for the UK Public: nearly 60% of all purchases made in the UK in 2008 were made using cash.

“As the public’s confidence in High Street banks diminish, they have started relying more so on the Building Societies, who are already providing an exceptional and unique service in the UK. We are delighted to be working directly with them to enhance their offerings and offer customers a more comprehensive service.

“Historically, many customers have been unable to access ATMs at their local Building Society branches, but Bank Machine’s programme of installations means thousands of people around the country are gaining access to these free services.”

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

[1] Branch Network Reduction: 2008 Report, Campaign for Community Banking Services

• Bank Machine created the UK's independent ATM market ten years ago and now has over 2,500 cash machines in locations including cinemas, garage forecourts and retail outlets - ranging from Selfridges to convenience stores.

• Bank Machine has over 500 free-to-use ATMs installed in, for example, NHS hospitals, military bases, Universities and low income areas.

• Earlier this year Bank Machine installed a cash machine in Tower Hamlets, which distributed only £5 notes. This ATM has been so successful that they will be installing another machine near Waterloo station at the start of next year.

• Based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Bank Machine (a division of Cardtronics Inc.) now has nearly 100 staff.

• For further information about Bank Machine, please visit its website (www.bankmachine.com) or contact Matt Flanders at Quintus Public Affairs on 0207 340 6290 / email matt.flanders@quintuspa.com