MSE News: Which Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland branches are closing in 2026/27?

[Deleted User]

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885179#Comment_81885179

Yes that is what I meant, thanks.

[Deleted User]

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885188#Comment_81885188

I think there is a trend now (although it is yet to be seen with banking) for people going back to more independent, experience based customer interactions. I think some people just prefer to do banking in person even if it's just a standard bank transaction. If they are willing to pay for it remains to be seen, but I think there is a possibility there will be a small gap in the market, somebody could expand into. Potentially as an additional brand. I think the Santander coffee shops have been some kind of seed into that idea. I'd much prefer it was a small independent player, but in banking that would be very difficult.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885236#Comment_81885236

It could be argued that local building societies or credit unions fulfil at least some of this sort of demand, and it does seem to me that something localised would be more likely to be viable than trying to establish a national business with a large enough physical footprint to compensate for branch closures by the main players, but given the high barriers to entry into a highly regulated market, it's probably ambitious for any such local entity to deliver full banking services, even if charging a fortune for these.

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885008#Comment_81885008

The banks need to update their processes to reflect branch closures though.

Last week HSBC insisted I would have to go to a branch to collect a replacement debit card and absolutely wouldn't post it to my registered address. Given they've closed all but the big-city branch in this area I'd rather go without the debit card than waste time and money getting to that branch to collect it.

Some of this stuff might be a niche service and demand for it may keep dropping, but if they continue to insist on customers going to a branch then they have to keep providing the facility in reasonably accessible locations.

WillPS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81885612#Comment_81885612

Agree, and would add Barclays are the absolute worst offender for this in my experience, as well as being the brand who most aggressively cut their network back.

Want a chequebook? That'll be a branch visit so you can put your squiggle on a piece of card which then gets sent in the post somewhere else. Even if a wet signature is required there is absolutely no good reason that can't be done with a letter and a reply paid envelope.