UK Sets Christmas Record For ATM Withdrawals

LONDON -- The United Kingdom's ATM network had an all-time record day for automated cash withdrawals on Dec. 23, 2016. According to LINK, the shared interbank network of ATMs operating in the UK, some £730 million (about $895 million) was dispensed by ATMs on that day. The withdrawal average was £87 ($106).

LINK officials noted that this occasion marked the largest amount of money dispensed in a single day by UK cash machines. It's a significant increase compared with the previous year's record day for withdrawals on Dec. 24, 2015, totaling £634 million.

"With this record for ATM withdrawals, it is clear that cash plays a vital part in so many people's lives, and we fully expect it to do so for many years to come," said LINK chief executive John Howells.

There are an estimated 70,000 ATMs in the UK, and about 54,000 of them require no fees to make withdrawals.