The poll by the Envelope Manufacturers and Suppliers Association (EMSA) also found that there was still a strong preference for receiving important documents by post, particularly among members of the public aged 45 and older.

While three-quarters of those questioned were online, 24% said that they did not have internet access in their household. More than 80% of respondents said they received their bank statement by mail.

More than half did not receive electronic bills or statements compared to 43% who said that they did and 54% said they did not use internet banking.

Chairman of EMSA Keith Bartlett said: "The mail continues to provide an important delivery vehicle for critical financial information and even internet-savvy citizens are reluctant to eliminate it.

"The postal system remains a critical lifeline for important services and will continue to play this role for many years."

View the survey results at www.emsauk.org