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Explained in plain English

How do banks get cash?

Banks primarily get cash from the Bank of England, which prints banknotes and mints coins. They order the cash they need to meet customer demand and keep ATMs stocked, especially important if, as Wes Streeting suggests, people need physical money during emergencies when digital payments might fail. This ensures a steady supply for everyday transactions.

Stories that explain this

Wes Streeting urges Londoners to prepare for emergencies with essential home supplies

Questions this opens up

How does the Bank of England print money? What happens to old banknotes? Do banks pay for cash deliveries?

Related explainers

Could digital currency replace cash? How do I pay without cash or cards? Where does the UK keep emergency cash? What food is in the national reserve? What food should I store at home? What happens if ATMs stop working? Can I pay with my phone offline? How long can ATMs go down for?

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