The lowest classes of society must pay through the nose to get cash out, due to a lack of non-fee-charging ATM's in the poorest areas, new research from charity the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has found.
CAB has called on banks not to further reduce the amount of free cash machines in poverty stricken areas and for signage to improve on machines that do charge to withdraw cash.
People on low incomes and those claiming benefits, which are now paid directly into bank accounts, are disproportionately affected by ATM fees that can run as high as three pounds per transaction.
David Harker, chief executive of Citizens Advice commented: "This is becoming a growing problem. People on low incomes need to take out small amounts of money and more frequently, but they should not be penalised as a result.
"Rural communities are amongst the worst affected, where people may have to travel miles to the nearest free cash machine or pay a high charge."
Mr Harker went on to say that CAB welcomed responses from banks such as HSBC to place ATM's in areas that CAB has identified as "ATM deserts".
CAB recently made a call on the government to cap NHS prescription charges.
