AIB Kells branch to go cashless as bank turns digital

The AIB branch in Kells is turning cashless.

The news comes as the bank says 70 of its branches nationwide will no longer offer cash and cheque services, as demand for these services is declining.

This means they will not have notes, coins, cheques, foreign exchange, bank drafts, and will also remove any drop safes and night safes.

However, AIB says it will compensate for the loss of some services for customers by expanding its existing relationship with An Post - this will allow customers to access more extensive cash and cheque services in 920 post offices.

The transition at the 70 branches will begin later this year, between September and October.

“With digital usage soaring, the cost of providing cash services has become increasingly unsustainable,” AIB said in a statement. “As a result, cash, ATM and cheque services will be removed from these branches, but customers will continue to have efficient access to cash in their communities.”

An Post has welcomed the announcement, describing it as a "further deepening of the long-standing relationship between An Post and AIB", with approximately 540 post offices located in areas that are further than 5km from their nearest bank.

"Never has the local post office been better placed as both a resource and a focus for renewal," An Post added.