Independent cash machine operators NoteMachine and Cardtronics are pushing back at plans to cut the interchange fee charged to card issuers for each cash withdrawal from 25p to 20p over four years. The two operators say the move risks creating "ATM deserts" where people will be unable to withdraw cash, especially as high street banks step up their branch closures, reports the FT. Cardtronics said the "ATM deserts" would be in the already under-served rural communities and villages where independent ATMs "have become a lifeline following branch closures." It said the changes would render even pay-to-use machines in such areas uneconomic. A survey of more than 2000 people in the UK found that 27 per cent have already moved to an online or mobile-only bank, and another 26 per cent are considering making the switch. The survey by data management vendor Relay 42 was reported by Finextra. More than half of those who have gone digital-only (or who are considering doing so) said they were attracted by a better online experience and functionality, while 29 per cent were tempted by attractive finance rates and fees and 28 per cent by a better quality of service.