Government acts to protect access to banking services – where can you get face-to-face banking support?

More and more of us choose to bank online. But many still rely on in-person banking services and value being able to speak to someone face to face.

To help make sure people and communities across the UK can continue to access the banking services they need, the government is commissioning an independent review into access to banking services.

What’s the review?

The review will gather evidence on the real-world impact of bank branch closures, identify who’s most affected, and assess where further action may be needed to protect access to banking services.

It follows the announcement of the enhancing financial services bill in the King’s Speech. Through the bill, the government intends to introduce powers that would allow it to act quickly if the evidence shows intervention is needed to protect access to banking services.

Lucy Rigby, economic secretary to the treasury, said:

“Banking services are a really important part of lives and communities, and it’s critical we can all access what we need – whether through local banking services or strong community-based alternatives like credit unions.

 “We are supporting industry’s roll out of banking hubs , but we also need a clear picture of where communities are still losing out. This independent review will show us where the problems are and what further action may be required – and we will move quickly to legislate where the evidence shows it is needed.”

Since 2015, thousands of bank branches have closed across the UK. More than 600 closed in 2023 alone, with further closures expected.

Ways you can still access banking services

The Post Office

Customers of most major banks, including Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and Santander, can use any of the Post Office’s 11,500 branches to:

• withdraw or deposit cash
• deposit cheques
• check balances

You can visit the Post Office website and select your bank to see which services are available to you.

Banking hubs

Banking hubs have been introduced to help fill the gap left by local bank closures across the UK.

Several banks operate from the same shared location, meaning you can speak to someone from your bank and manage services such as Direct Debits in person.

You can also withdraw and deposit cash at a banking hub, no matter who you bank with.

Banking hubs usually work on a rota basis, so representatives from different banks are available on different days.

New hubs are continuing to open across the UK, so it’s worth checking whether there’s one near you.

Mobile and pop-up banks

Many major banks also offer mobile or pop-up banking services.

These services are mainly designed to give you face-to-face support and advice, although they do not usually provide full cash or counter services.

You can find out more on your bank’s website.

Cash machines (ATMs)

If you simply need to withdraw cash, using a free ATM is often the quickest and easiest option.

You can use LINK’s free cash locator to find your nearest ATM.

Your local shop

More than 1,000 local shops now offer cashback without purchase, allowing you to withdraw between 1p and £50 without buying anything.

Most shops do not charge a fee, but some may, so it’s worth checking first.

You can also use LINK’s free cash locator to find participating shops near you.

Online banking

If online banking works for you, it can make managing your money much easier, whether you’re at home or on the move.

Online banking and mobile banking apps allow you to:

• manage payments, including direct debits
• deposit cheques
• transfer money
• apply for credit cards, loans and savings accounts

Visit your bank’s website to see what online services are available to you.