Just Heard Today That My Bank Is Closing

[hereIam]

I've been dreading this. The nearest branch to me now is nine miles away. What's worrying me the most is how will this affect my direct debit payments and the paying in of my pensions. I assume this will just carry on as normal ? Has anybody else had their bank close on them and how did you deal with it ? I don't do online banking.

Thank you.

[Maydup]

Its a sad time for local services. I dont do online banking either, but I rarely have to visit the bank branch these days. I get cash from the ATM at the supermarket, and pay with the debit card in stores and online. Of course you will have to travel to the town centre branch if you wish to cancel a direct debit, but thats quite rare hopefully.

[hereIam]

Just had another thought, will I still get a monthly bank statement automatically ?

[Mamyalynne]

If you haven't gone paperless then you should still get those.

[hereIam]

No I haven't, so I should imagine if I still get a cheque book, I will still get a statement. Thanks Mamya.

[Tuvok]

Its just your branch that's closing - so technically you are changing branch not changing bank.

If you want to take money out over the counter in the Post Office you just let them know how much, put your card in the machine, enter your pin, confirm amount and remove your card.

[hereIam]

Thank you Tuvok x

[jennyjoan]

the good thing about online banking if you could do it - you can keep an eye on your account - only for it - I would not have noticed the 3 times I was scammed. One for £700, £30, and £350.

[bednobs]

i look at my bank account everyday.

[bednobs]

would u be happy to do telephone banking?

[aelmpvw]

i look at mine every hour when doris is out shopping ...

[JimF]

As has been pointed out, you don't actually need a physical branch, not even for paying cheques in. In fact, once you make the leap to mobile banking, you don't even need to put them in the post. You just scan them with your mobile.

I appreciate that this all sounds a bit daunting but, trust me, once you get into the swing of things, you'll wonder how you ever managed before!

I'm making the assumption that you are what we used to call a senior citizen. I'm sure there will be adult education classes locally where you can learn IT skills. You'll never regret it.

[ladybirder]

Maydup will HIA really have to travel to the branch to change (or add?) a DD? Can she not do it by phone?
On-line banking is so easy, like others I check my account every day.

[Mamyalynne]

My phone has not got the facility to scan a cheque, that's why I send them via the post.

[alavahalf]

As a rule you would only need a smartphone to pay a cheque into your account. All you would need do is install your banks mobile banking app onto your phone.
(Assuming your bank supports this method of paying in). Take a picture of the cheque .. front and rear !
Then follow the on screen instructions.
If you can take a picture ... you can pay a cheque in !

[hereIam]

Yes, I am a 'senior citizen' Jim and a lot of modern technology petrifies me ! I am happy with the answers I have had on here and intend to use the Post Office or use (for the first time ever) a cash machine (gulp). My mobile 'phone is very basic so there is no way I can photo cheques, but like Mamya, will be happy to post any to the bank that from next May I will have to use. I also feel very sorry for the girls at my branch who will be losing their jobs.

[emmie]

i have had the nearest bank to me close, and i am in the capital, these closures are a nuisance more than anything.
it shouldn't affect in any way your direct debits,
and pension should be fine. I only look at my bank details on line, i don't do any transactions..

[TonyV]

Our local branch closed, claimed to be "lack of use" I had never been in there without having to queue, just a cost cutting exercise IMO.