PayPoint has revealed that its Counter Cash service, which provides vital access to cash services for communities, is now live in more than 2,000 stores.
The ‘Cashback Without Purchase’ service provides a new way to access cash on the high street, allowing consumers to withdraw cash in convenience stores without the need to buy anything or pay a fee. Consumers can also check balances for free and withdraw any value of notes and coins from 1p and £50, rather than being restricted to notes dispensed by ATMs.
Participating retailers are remunerated for offering the service as they would do for a normal ATM, as well as benefitting from reduced banking charges.
The service, which launched at the end of last year, saw consumers withdraw more than £300,000 over the counter during the last week in January, with an average value of £24.18. Almost half of the participating stores have carried out a transaction to date, PayPoint added.
The next phase of the Counter Cash programme will see a measured and continued growth of the network, enhanced support for participating retailers to improve customer experience and adoption, and a co-ordinated campaign to drive further consumer awareness.
Nick Wiles, Chief Executive of PayPoint, said: “Our Counter Cash service has proven popular with consumers and retailers since launch and this important milestone demonstrates our continued, long-term commitment to ensuring that cash access is protected. We look forward to seeing even more of our retailer partners benefit from offering the service as we expand it further in the coming months.
“Counter Cash provides an incredibly convenient way for the millions of people who depend on cash to make withdrawals to a value of their choice up to £50. We are proud to be the first of LINK’s members to launch and expand this service, making a real difference to local communities.”
Colleen Johnson, a PayPoint retailer partner from Dafarn Newydd stores in Mid-Wales, said: “We take huge pride in being a friendly shop that goes above and beyond to serve customers in a remote part of the country. The nearest cash machine is over nine miles away and the nearest bank is over 24 miles away, so offering the Counter Cash service was an obvious choice for us to expand the services we offer.
“It’s a simple and easy service for customers to use and not only helps us earn for every transaction, but also contributes to reducing our banking charges. We’re looking forward to it growing even further as tourists return to the area this year, cementing our position as a destination where people can access a wide range of vital community services.”
