Members 38 Website [1] | ATMs 70,000 Founded 1985 Parent organization VocaLink Holdings Limited | |
LINK is a shared interbank network of automated teller machines (ATMs) operating in the United Kingdom. The network counts 38 member institutions, of which many are various banks and building societies issuing LINK ATM cards, and the remainder are independent ATM operators who do not issue cards. The network connects over 70,000 ATMs - virtually every ATM in the United Kingdom. The number of LINK free-to-use ATMs has continued to grow and overall ATM numbers are at an all-time high.
The LINK network infrastructure is operated by VocaLink, a company formed in 2007 by the merger of LINK Interchange Network Limited and Voca Limited. The LINK ATM scheme is a separate entity which is run by the Scheme members.
In addition to providing the core ATM transaction switching and settlement service to LINK network members, VocaLink Limited provides outsourced ATM, card and mobile payment services and provides access to Post Office counters for basic banking transactions.
LINK ATMs also offer a prepay mobile phone top up facility at 50,000 ATMs.
UK issued debit cards generally come with a LINK EMV application in addition to a point of sale EMV application that can be Visa Debit, Debit MasterCard, Maestro, Visa Electron or UnionPay applications.
As of 2016, there were about 54,000 free to use ATMs, of which 23,600 were provided by independent suppliers, and 16,000 ATMs that charge for withdrawals. In 2016 and 2017 discussions were ongoing over a new charging system between LINK members, as larger members considered the interchange fee too high.