Cardtronics, the world’s largest ATM operator today announced its ATMs would be the first in the U.K. to allow individuals to withdraw cash using a new cardless cash service from fintech solutions provider Pin4. The Pin4Cash service will enable organizations to send cash to individuals in real-time using an SMS text message. This unique and innovative solution allows people to complete card-free cash withdrawals at the majority of Cardtronics’ CashZone ATMs around the country using only their mobile device, without requiring a payment card.

Up to now, U.K. organizations have been delivering funds by bank transfers and cards. These methods have been cumbersome and less desirable for many recipients, particularly those preferring cash or seeking to avoid, in-person interactions. This challenge has become a particular issue for organizations struggling to provide emergency funding for those in financial difficulty because of the COVID-19 virus.

Businesses, charities, and government agencies can now use Pin4Cash to send people in the U.K. a simple text message containing a unique code the individual can use to access the funds at a participating Cardtronics ATM location. Once at the ATM, the individual enters their phone number, the unique code, and their four-digit pin, with no card required.

The Pin4Cash solution offers a simple, easy way for organizations to pay wages, issue hardship funds, and provide cash incentives and awards, even to those without banking accounts or debit cards.

This unique capability has proved to be particularly attractive to the U.K.’s credit unions, many of whose members do not have debit cards associated with their accounts and are unable to get cash over-the-counter because of the lockdown restrictions. Now, thanks to Cardtronics and Pin4, almost half of the U.K.’s credit unions can provide their members with access to the cash in their savings accounts using only their mobile phone at a participating Cardtronics ATM.

“Cash use remains very strong and resilient during this crisis. Every month, our ATMs distribute over £1bn, and millions of people are relying on it more than ever during the lockdown,” said Marc Terry, International Managing Director for Cardtronics. “The U.K. ATM infrastructure continues to play a vital role in society, and we are delighted to deliver this innovation at this time of need for so many. This is our initial entry into the U.K., and we are thrilled to be partnering with the largest ATM provider in the market, one at the forefront of ATM innovation. We share with Cardtronics the common goal of ensuring access to cash for people all around the U.K., particularly for those in need during this difficult time. We look forward to expanding the uses for this solution as the crisis begins to abate,” said Jim Leroux, CEO of Pin4 International."

Gareth Evans, Director of Cash Perks, the new enterprise behind the scheme said: "Our innovative facility offers Councils, Housing Associations and Charitable Trusts an essential way to get emergency funds direct to the most vulnerable households facing financial hardship as a result of Covid-19. Without the need for a bank account, Cash Perks is uniquely placed to get funds instantly and securely to the 1.2 million unbanked and more than 2.5 million consumers who are shown to be constantly overdrawn – an issue that will be greatly exacerbated by the current economic crisis. We are already working with a number of Councils on the roll-out of our payment facility to deliver the government's recently announced £63 million Local Welfare Assistance fund."