Down at the old Bull & Cashpoint

By JO THORNHILL
Updated:

 

IT'S the ultimate embarrassment - you've just offered to get the next round in at the pub but when you get to the bar you find your wallet is empty, and the barman won't accept cards.

Now, NCR, the hole-in-the-wall cash machines producer has come up with a novel idea to save us from such sticky moments.

It has launched a compact and mobile cash machine, EasyPoint, that can be bolted to a wall or counter. Soon we could all be able to draw cash in pubs, clubs, football grounds and even at car boot sales.

Marketing vice-president at NCR Europe, Simon Rubin, says the innovation has come in response to the growing demand for easy access to cash.

There are around 30,000 cashpoints in the UK and 40% are not in banks. 'That could easily rise to 50%.' Says Rubin. 'We're expecting there will be demand for 10,000 plus from our service nationwide.'

Research carried out by NOP on behalf of the NCR group found that one in four people would like to see cashpoints set up at car boot sales, while nearly half want access to their money while they are out drinking.

However, you should expect to pay for the convenience. All bank cash machines - properly known as automatic teller machines or ATMs - are free to use whether you are a customer or not, as a result of changes to the banking code. But this is not true when it comes to privately-owned cash machines.

Convenience ATMs, for example those owned and run by garage owners, supermarkets and clubs, often charge a fee - typically £1. Rubin says: 'Charges depend on individual suppliers. Generally they range from between £1 to £1.25 for each transaction.' And he adds: 'People are paying for the convenience of getting their cash away from the bank.'

Research by NCR has also revealed growing demand for ATMs to provide non-banking services. More than half of those questioned said they would like to be able to top up their pre-paid mobile phones at a cashpoint.

There was also a call for ATMs to dispense local information such as maps, train or bus tickets, and tickets for events such as concerts.

Read about the banking code

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