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 heatwaves, local 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 1.3m 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 7m transactions each month. The value of personal cash withdrawals over the quarter also 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, the Post Office suggested.
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, said: “We’ve seen a big increase in business cash deposits over the summer, and customers are withdrawing more 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 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 the Post Office, added: “While people increasingly choose different ways to pay, cash remains essential for many retailers 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.”
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