Analysis by Sainsbury’s Bank predicts that this December approximately £11.75 billion could be withdrawn from LINK ATMs, the UK’s cash machine network– equal to more than £379 million every day during the month.

The supermarket bank, which has over 1,635 free-to-use ATMs across the UK, estimates that the number of cash withdrawals carried out at LINK ATMs in December could reach 173 million – around three million higher than the same time last year.  It’s predicted that the average value of an ATM cash withdrawal carried  during December will be £68.

Usage is expected to peak on Friday 18^th December, in terms of both number of transactions and total value of cash withdrawn. The Friday before Christmas is the typical peak day for pre-Christmas cash withdrawals; Friday 19^th December was the busiest day in 2014 and Friday 20th December was the busiest day in 2013 for cash withdrawals.

As a result of the large volumes of cash being withdrawn during the festive season, Sainsbury’s Bank is encouraging consumers to be extra vigilant when withdrawing cash.

A spokesman for Sainsbury’s Bank said: “With December typically being the busiest month of the year for withdrawing cash, we’re encouraging people to be extra vigilant when they’re using an ATM. Whenever you use one, take your time, don’t count your money at the machine, and put it away safely and out of sight before leaving the ATM.”

Five top tips to keep your details safe when using an ATM:

• Only use an ATM in a well-lit, public area
• If you see anything suspicious either on or around the ATM, do not use it and report it to the owner or business that has the ATM on its premises
• Stand close to the machine and shield the keypad not only when entering your PIN but also when entering the amount of cash you are withdrawing
• Always put your cash, card and receipt straight away, you can count your cash and check your receipt later
• If your card is retained in the machine, report it to the card issuer immediately.