Lloyds Banking Group is restructuring its branches, allowing customers to use any brand’s location for in-person banking services.
Plymouth: So, here’s the scoop. Customers of Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland are about to get a bit more freedom when it comes to banking. They’ll be able to pop into any branch of these banks for their banking needs. This change is part of a big plan by Lloyds Banking Group to shake things up a bit.
Now, this move is meant to make things easier for folks. But, not everyone is thrilled. Unions are a bit worried that this could lead to more branches shutting down. It’s a mixed bag of reactions, really.
A spokesperson from Lloyds said they’re always on the lookout for ways to make banking smoother. Starting later this year, customers can use any branch for their banking, which is pretty cool. They’re also pushing their apps and phone services, so it’s all about flexibility.
Plus, if you need help, call center staff are ready to assist customers from all the brands. This means you might find a branch closer to you, no matter which bank you usually go to.
But here’s the catch: while they haven’t given exact dates, these changes are expected to roll out later in 2025. The trade union BTU is raising alarms, thinking this might lead to a wave of branch closures.
They’ve seen some info suggesting that a lot of branches are in the same spots, which could mean some will have to close. It’s a bit of a worry for those who still like to do their banking in person.
And let’s not forget, Lloyds has been closing branches for a while now, focusing more on digital banking. They’ve got around 22 million customers using their online services, while in-person visits are dropping.
This year alone, 55 branches are set to close across the UK. It’s a big change, and we’ll have to see how it all plays out.
