Bank unveils hole-in-the-wall revolution that allows customers to withdraw coins

Sep 7 2008 By Michael Macleod

CASH machines that dispense coins to customers are set to be introduced across Scotland.

Royal Bank of Scotland are to bring in new-look ATMs that will let customers withdraw as little as £2.

The move would allow customers to empty their account when they have less than a tenner left.

RBS will also launch the first machines to allow customers to deposit coins at a new branch in Livingston in December.

It will enable small businesses to sort out their finances without having to speak to a bank teller.

RBS said: "The new technology will mean faster pay-ins and we're in talks with various people about coindispensing machines.

"More branches will get the coin pay-in technology."

Money expert Nick Bamford, of Informed Choice, warned the machines could pose a security risk. He said: "Depending on their design, if you could take a lot of coins out, anyone passing by would hear the noise and know you've got a huge bag of money."

But customers in Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal shopping centre gave the coin machines the thumbs-up. Jenny Howarth, 19, a communications student at Napier University, said: "I hate when I go to a cash machine halfway through a night out and see that I only have £9.

"Now I'd be able to get a taxi home."

Single mum-of-two Maria Czersek, 24, said: "I often waste money by breaking into a note to get change when I can't afford to.

"It's my money and I should be able to take out whatever amount I need."

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