Closure of a Bank is this a common problem since the merges.

[modeller]

A year ago I was so disgusted with being ripped off by Nat/West for a mistake they had made 20 years ago that I closed all my accounts with them and transferred to the Halifax which has been an excellent move but this week they are closing the branch . They say their lease is running out which may be true but I think the real reason is that they are owned by Lloyds who wants to take over all their accounts and cut out the competition.

However I have now found out that I can continue with them by going to my local Sub Post Office who can now carry out all the day to day transactions which I did before at the branch ie current account and saving account paying in and out.

Is this closing down of branches occurring elsewhere or am I unlucky ? If you are affected the PO may be the answer.

[bednobs]

the post office do a range of banking services for other banks (lloyds included)

[spudqueen]

I work in a Post Office and we offer free banking for many of the bank, including Barclays, Lloyds, Co-Op, Smile, Halifax, Clydesdale. Pop into your local Post Office to see what services they offer for your account.

Oh - by the way, if you want to pay cheques into a Halifax account at a Post Office you have to have an envelope which you get from Halifax. Whilst the Post Office hold a stock of envelopes for many banks, they don't for Halifax.

[factor-fiction]

Banks are looking to reduce the number of oulets- for example locally there are 3 Santander branches within 50 metres following their takeover of A&L, Abbey and B&B so at least one will go.
But I think branches are becoming less relevant. I have not had a branch that I would regard as a local branch for years. I am quite happy to bank online and rarely need to go into a branch. Is internet banking not an option for you?

[modeller]

Thanks for all your comments and information. I'm amazed at how much is being done at the PO now. I was told by our local PO that I couldn't do the Halifax Savings Account transactions there but according to Halifax I can . So I will have to sort that out .
Do you know , spudqueen ?

factor #I am quite happy to bank online and rarely need to go into a branch. Is internet banking not an option for you? #
Yes I suppose internet banking is a part answer but how do I give someone a cheque and how can I pay in cheques received. ?

[BenDToy]

I haven't been in my bank for about 20 years or more. I can't think of any reason to do so, and it is 250 miles away. If need to pay a cheque in, I post it to them, although I can probably do this at many other banks. The cost of a stamp is not that significant a factor. I am not sure why i would need to go into a branch to "give someone a cheque". I write and issue perhaps one or two cheques a year, and I don't feel the need to involve my branch in these transactions.