What are banking hubs - and how can they help you?

If your local bank branch has closed, you might wonder where you can get face-to-face help with managing your money.

Banking hubs are opening across the country to fill this gap and they could play a big part in the future of everyday banking.

But what exactly are they and how do you find out if there’s one near you?

How do banking hubs work?

Banking hubs are sites where several banks all operate from the same building.
 
You can go there to speak to someone from your bank and manage payments like direct debits, as well as withdraw and deposit cash.

Banking hubs work on a rota basis, which means staff from different banks operate there on different days.

If your local branch has closed or is due to shut, a hub will usually be opened either before the closure or within three months if the area has been without a branch for a while.

Which banks are part of the hub scheme?

The following banks are currently taking part in the banking hub scheme:

• Bank of Ireland UK
• Barclays
• Danske Bank
• HSBC
• Lloyds
• Nationwide Building Society
• NatWest
• Santander
• TSB
• Virgin Money

How do I find my nearest banking hub?

Banking hubs are opening across the UK regularly, so check here to see if there's one near you. 

What services can I get at a hub?

Most people use hubs for cash withdrawals and deposits, but you can also use it for things like:

• payments and transfers
• managing your account
• checking your balance
• paying utility bills
• topping up your gas and electricity
• learning how to use online banking

Each bank decides which services it offers on its day - but the idea is to make sure you’re not left without support.

Nevertheless, consumer group Which? has said they need to go further, opening in more locations and offering more services.

For example, it pointed out that if a person needs to open a new account or register power of attorney or grant of probate, they may “still need to travel significant distances”.

“It is clear that as bank branches continue to close at rapid rates, alternatives such as banking hubs will likely be the future of banking,” said Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money.
 
“However, there remain too few of these for enough customers to feel their benefit, and Which? wants the range of services expanded to ensure they are available across the country.”

The government has committed to introducing 350 banking hubs by 2029.