Banking Hubs: The quiet revolution reviving UK high streets

Banking hubs are quietly transforming UK high streets, ensuring access to cash and face-to-face services in an increasingly digital world. Cash Access UK’s 2024 review shows how these hubs are boosting local economies, supporting communities, and keeping financial inclusion alive.

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As the UK continues its digital transformation, a quiet revolution is taking place on the high street—one that’s not driven by apps or algorithms, but by people, places, and the enduring power of cash.

Cash Access UK’s 2024 Annual Review paints a compelling picture of how banking hubs are reshaping financial inclusion and community resilience in a rapidly changing economy.

Why Cash Still Matters

While digital payments dominate headlines, millions of people across the UK still rely on cash and face-to-face banking. For many, especially the elderly, vulnerable, or digitally excluded, cash isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. Cash Access UK recognises this and has made it their mission to ensure that no one is left behind.

In 2024 alone, the organisation served over 1.7 million customers, processed £365 million in transactions, and saw 180,000 counter interactions.

A Year of Milestones

Cash Access UK opened its 100th banking hub in Darwen, Lancashire, and by April 2025 had reached 150 hubs and 123 deposit services. These hubs are now a familiar sight across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, offering essential services to more than 210,000 customers each month.

The rollout was accelerated by new FCA regulations introduced in September 2024, which mandated banks to ensure reasonable access to cash. Thanks to extensive preparation, Cash Access UK was ready to meet these demands head-on.

Real Impact, Real Stories

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Surveys from long-standing hubs in Brixham and Rochford revealed that 47% of businesses experienced increased footfall, 34% saw higher annual revenue, and 53% of users saved time by using the hubs. But the impact goes beyond numbers.

From helping a young man buy his first car to supporting bereaved families and victims of fraud, the stories shared in the review highlight the human side of banking hubs. These spaces offer more than financial services—they provide reassurance, guidance, and a sense of community.

Innovation Rooted in Insight

In 2024, Cash Access UK piloted customer liaison officers, video banking services, and multi-bank deposit ATMs. Plans for 2025 include hubs in supermarkets, hub cabins in car parks, and even printing services for customers who need physical documents.

The goal is simple: to meet people where they are and provide services that truly make a difference.

Looking Ahead

With strong financial performance, high employee engagement, and growing public and political support, Cash Access UK is well-positioned for the future. The organisation’s not-for-profit model, backed by major banks, ensures that its focus remains on people—not profits.

As the way we bank continues to change, Cash Access UK is proving that progress doesn’t have to mean exclusion. By blending innovation with empathy, they’re building a future where everyone has access to the financial services they need—on their terms.