Heatwaves and sports events drive record demand for cash on Britain’s high streets according to latest Post Office data

• Business cash deposits reach their highest-ever level on record, up by almost £69m year on year, as businesses manage takings through a busy summer trading period
• Business cash deposit volumes rose 6% to more than 1.3 million transactions between May and June of this year, showing cash remains important to everyday spending and business cashflow
• Nearly two in three of UK SMEs (59%) rely on Post Office cash services

New Post Office Cash Tracker data reveals cash use on Britain’s high streets has surged as the summer temperatures soared, with business cash deposits reaching their highest-ever level at the start of the summer trading period. Businesses deposited nearly £69m more - a 2% increase - compared to Q2 of last year, more than any previous year.

Against the backdrop of a summer of sport and record-breaking heatwaves, local post office branches experienced higher demand for cash services with cafés, pubs and bars in particular needing to manage takings and day-to-day cashflow.

The monthly picture shows cash activity building as the summer began. Between May and June this year, business cash deposit volumes rose 6% to more than 1.3 million transactions, and the value of business cash deposits increased 3%.

Consumers also continued to turn to cash, with personal cash withdrawal volumes increasing 4% between April and June 2026, reaching nearly 7 million transactions each month. The value of personal cash withdrawals over the quarter rose by almost by 5% compared with the same period last year.

This surge in cash usage may reflect the everyday, lower-value spending that comes with warmer weather and busier social calendars - from drinks and snacks while watching sport to pub trips, local shopping, family days out and travel. Cash can help households keep a closer eye on spending as costs add up, while giving small businesses a convenient local way to manage takings and day-to-day cashflow during their busiest periods.

Sarah Ellis, branch manager at Copperhouse Post Office in Hayle, Cornwall, added:

“We’ve seen a big increase in business cash deposits over the summer, and customers are withdrawing more cash for everyday spending. There are still lots of cash-only businesses in Cornwall, and many people feel cash helps them budget better.

“Many local small businesses, especially pubs and cafes, use the Post Office to deposit their takings, and we see business owners coming from further afield too for cash services. While there are still some banks in the area, during the busy tourist season business owners don’t want the hassle of travelling into town to bank their cash. They also like that our note counters make deposits quick and easy, so they can get back to running their businesses.”

Ben Hunter Woollard, Head of Banking at Post Office, said:

“These record business cash deposits show that cash continues to play a vital role for businesses across the UK, particularly during busy trading periods. While people increasingly choose different ways to pay, cash remains essential for many retailers, hospitality venues and service businesses managing money day to day.

“For those businesses, being able to deposit cash quickly and securely on their local high street is critical. Post Office branches provide convenient access to banking services in communities across the country, helping businesses and consumers access the cash services they rely on, close to where they live and work.”

Recent Post Office research conducted by WPI Economics, supports the need for access to cash as it found that nearly two in three (59%) of small and medium-sized businesses use Post Office cash services at least once a year, while one in five (19%) do so every week*.

Toby Hume-Rothery owner of Gilbert’s Beach Bar and Kitchen and Salt Kitchen Bar, both in Hayle, Cornwall said:

“We see a big increase in cash use across both our businesses during the summer months. People like to have a bit of cash in their pockets when they're out and about, making smaller purchases like ice creams for the kids or snacks in a café rather than larger purchases, and cash is often their preferred way to pay.

"We regularly deposit our takings at Copperhouse Post Office in Hayle, Cornwall, but during the summer months we use the service even more for business cash deposits. We also rely on Copperhouse Post Office to withdraw the cash we need to manage day-to-day cash flow and keep the businesses running smoothly.”

ENDS

*Source: WPI Economics, Delivery in Partnership: Securing sustainable access to cash and in-person banking services in the UK, June 2026.

Source: Post Office Cash Tracker data which tracked cash withdrawals and deposits made through Post Office branches across the UK during Q2 2026