Becoming a LINK Member

How to join the LINK Network

LINK is the UK's cash machine network. Virtually every cash machine in the UK is connected to LINK. 

Cardholders cannot enjoy reliable national access to UK cash machines unless their card issuer is part of LINK.

LINK is an open scheme. Membership is open to any organisation that meets the membership criteria. 

Why join our network?

The UK Interbank Payment Schemes Guide, which you can download below, provides an overview of the UK's payment schemes, what each one offers and how they can be accessed.  

It also provides an overview of the steps to follow to help you engage with payment schemes, and the common process you should expect to follow to join them.

There are three categories of LINK membership:

• General Members who issue cards and operate ATMs and/or Counter Terminals and/or Automated Deposit Machines (ADMs).
• General Acquirer Members, who include:
  
  • Independent ATM Deployer Members who operate ATMs but who do not connect ADMs or Counter Terminals to the LINK Network.
  • Counter Terminal Only Members who operate Counter Terminals but who do not connect ATMs or ADMs to the LINK Network.
  • Automated Deposit Machine Only Members who operate ADMs but who do not connect ATMs or Counter Terminals to the LINK Network.
• Card Issuer Only Members (CIOMs) who issue cards but do not operate ATMs or ADMs or Counter Terminals.

The key steps in becoming a LINK Member are as follows:

• Sign a standard form of non-disclosure agreement.
• Provide a brief outline of the business proposal, e.g. likely card or ATM/Counter Terminal numbers, forecasts of transaction volumes, etc.
• Sign an agreement for participation in the LINK network. This agreement establishes the rights and obligations for participation and binds Members to LINK's operating rules.

Membership enquiries regarding LINK network membership should be directed here.