Wednesday 20th December 2006
High-street bank Barclays has stated that it expects current accounts to be raided on Saturday, December 23rd as last-minute present buying hits its peak.
Up to £490 million is predicted to be withdrawn from cash machines nationwide in the five hours from 10:00 GMT to 15:00 GMT.
At its peak, from 12:00 GMT to 13:00 GMT, over a million transactions are expected to take place, equalling one every three minutes at every machine in the country.
Barnaby Davis, electronic banking director for Barclays, said: "The run-up to Christmas is a busy time for everyone, not least for our own staff."
"Plans are in place to ensure cash machines remain stocked despite the level of activity in a really short space of time," he added.
Mr Davis hoped in this way that last-minute purchases need not pose more of an obstacle to buyers.
Barclays offers customers of its Additions current account a range of extra cover for £6.50 per month.
This includes gadget and mobile phone insurance, discounts at a number of retailers and accidental death cover.
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