Vocalink and LINK extend partnership until 2031

• Vocalink and LINK sign new contract until 2031 following competitive procurement process
• Vocalink will continue to provide ATM switching and settlement services to around 60,000 ATMs in UK
• Win confirms Vocalink’s expertise and capabilities in delivering global payment infrastructures that provide customers with greater choice and convenience

Vocalink, a Mastercard company, has today announced that it has signed a new contract with LINK to continue to provide ATM switching and settlement services until 2031.

Having been the infrastructure partner to LINK since 1986, Vocalink will remain the technology provider behind the 60,000 ATMs connected to the LINK network. 2.9 billion customer transactions were made in the LINK network in 2018. Almost all of the UK’s key debit and ATM card issuers and all the main cash machine operators (including banks, building societies and independent ATM deployers) are members of the LINK network.

The new contract follows a competitive procurement process mandated by the Payment Systems Regulator and confirms Vocalink’s expertise and capabilities in delivering world-class payment infrastructures and services at scale around the world.

Gregor Dobbie, CEO of Vocalink, a Mastercard company, comments: “We are delighted that LINK has extended our partnership to operate its ATM network until 2031. Since 1986 we have worked together to ensure the UK’s LINK network has remained innovative, resilient and reliable for its customers. Although we have seen a rise in contactless payments, access to cash is still a priority to many communities in our society who value its convenience and immediacy. While Vocalink will continue to create innovate payment solutions, we’re also wholly committed to financial inclusion and ensuring everyone has choice over how they pay, and no one is left behind by new technologies. We look forward to continuing to support the LINK network in its crucial role allowing the nation to access the cash it needs, when it needs it.”

In the UK, Vocalink is the infrastructure provider for Faster Payments, Bacs, LINK, and Cheque & Credit Clearing Company Ltd. It is also the provider of SWIFT Net File ACT based SWIFT Transmission Solution (STS) Gateway Product, the channel into the Bacs solutions, and all ancillary solutions including CASS (Current Account Switching Solution).

On a global scale, Vocalink forms part of Mastercard’s New Payment Platforms (NPP) business unit. NPP offers a range of world-class B2B payment services in the account-to-account space, enabling choice for customers and innovation across the entire digital ecosystem.