Millions of bankers have been warned that Halifax is shutting down its online app on Monday (October 5). It comes as the 173-year-old bank phases out and moves all of its customers over to the Lloyds Bank brand. The app closure rollout began on Monday, with the platform set to officially go out of service on Saturday, October 31.
Halifax has emailed and notified its customers that the banking app and digital services are permanently shutting down. The message read: “Just a quick reminder that from 5 October, as part of the Halifax brand changing to Lloyds, we’ll start to close the Halifax app.”
The bank said customers will move to the Lloyds app, where they will be able to manage their accounts, credit cards, savings and mortgages. They reiterated how customers will find the app familiar and be able to access all of their existing banking information.
Halifax continued: “In just a few easy steps, you’ll be up and running, with everything you need ready for you – your accounts, payments you’ve set up, and any letters and statements we’ve sent to your digital inbox.” It was confirmed earlier this year that the Halifax brand would be retired as Lloyds Banking Group simplified its portfolio. Bosses said the brands would unify under the Lloyds banner rather than continue under two separate high street names.
Halifax also told customers that their sort code, account number, credit or debits cards, PINs, standing orders, and direct debits will not change. Although physical cards will continue to work normally, they will eventually be replaced with Lloyds-branded versions.
As well as the digital move, a total of 26 Lloyds and Halifax banks will close this month. The closures are primarily driven by a deline in footfall and a widespread shift towards mobile banking.
Jas Singh, Lloyds Banking Group’s chief executive of consumer relationships, said: “As Halifax changes to Lloyds, our Halifax customers will keep everything they know and love today – the same fantastic app design, the same friendly faces in our branches – even the same sort code and account number. But as Lloyds customers, they’ll get the best innovation and experiences we offer.”
A spokesperson for Lloyd’s Banking Group said: “When making changes to our branch network, we always look to understand the impact on our customers – including how they continue to access banking services.”
