Is it safe to withdraw cash in the UK or not?
Is it safe to withdraw cash in the UK or not?
Honestly? I never use cash at night in the UK anymore. Contactless is accepted everywhere - even kebab shops! If I must withdraw:Use a drive-thru ATM (weirdly safer - you’re in your car). Check ATM reviews on Google Maps (people report skimmers fast). Carry a "dummy wallet" with an expired card in case of mugging (real cards stay hidden)
Fun fact: Some UK ATMs now let you pre-order cash via app and collect with a QR code - faster = safer!
Ex-police officer here. Top 3 ATM night risks in UK:
-Shoulder-surfers (watch your back before entering PIN)
- Skimming devices (always wiggle the card slot - loose parts = scam)
- Muggers near tourist ATMs (Leicester Square = notorious)
Pro tip: Withdraw during daylight at Post Offices - they have staffed counters until 5:30 PM, safer than any ATM!
London/Manchester city centers? Fine - tons of CCTV and nightlife = witnesses. I used HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Bank many times no issues.
Suburban stations or small towns? Risky - fewer people, easier for card skimmers to tamper with machines.
My rule: Only use ATM lobbies (the ones inside bank vestibules with card-access doors) after midnight. Got followed once withdrawing cash at a corner-shop ATM - never again!
Withdrew £200 from a Barclays ATM in Central London at 1 AM last week - no issues, but I was smart about it:
- Well-lit locations only (avoid standalone ATMs in dark alleys)
- Covered my PIN (even at 3 AM, sketchy people watch)
- Used a bank ATM (HSBC and NatWest have cameras & security)
Would I do it in a quiet town? Probably not. Stick to busy areas!
Found a Canara Bank ATM near Silver Sands Hotel in the UK. No issues with my Wise card and the place felt safe.
Used a Lloyds ATM in the UK near the Elvis Presley/Graceland display in Memphis - it worked with my Lloyds Visa card and felt safe.
Tesco Express ATM in the UK worked with all cards including Visa Debit, and I felt safe even using it at night.
Tesco ATMs in the UK take all major cards. I used a Visa Debit, and the area felt secure at night.