FOURTEEN new banking hubs are to open across the UK after it was revealed more than 400 bank branches are to close this year.
The openings will provide a lifeline to locals left without access to high street bank services following thousands of branch closures in recent years.
Data from ATM provider LINK shows that 405 further branches are to close this year, with another 78 already scheduled for 2025.
Banking hubs offer traditional shared services in new locations across the UK.
They consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.
There are also private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own banks, who will be available on a rotating basis.
The hubs were set up to help plug the gap in access to financial services and more than 60 locations have already opened.
The latest areas to receive a banking hub are:
In addition LINK has announced that a further nine locations will receive deposit services to provide banking and cash facilities to small businesses.
The latest areas to receive deposit areas are:
The banking hubs will be delivered by Cash Access UK and are expected to open in 12 months’ time.
In total LINK has recommended hubs open in 146 locations.
Banks and building societies have shut 5,908 branches since 2015 — at a rate of 54 each month — to almost half the number of branches that existed a decade ago.
Closures can cause headaches for locals who have to travel further to access services or switch to alternative providers.
Closures have followed a shift in the way people access banking services with most customers using online banking to manage their finances.
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Scotland
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Branch closures are also seen as a way for banks and building societies to cut costs.
However, there are fears the continued closures will hurt certain parts of society more than others.
Research found around 39% of people over 65 did not use online banking and were at “high risk of financial exclusion“.
While a survey conducted by Which? last year, found more than half of disabled or impaired people had negatively been impacted by bank closures.
Last week Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Halifax, announced it would be closing 60 more branches between October this year and June 2025.
In May TSB announced it would close 36 branches in the next two years.
Some banks or building societies such as HSBC and Nationwide have made pledges to limit branch closures or not shut any at all.
Nationwide has announced its commitment to keep its existing branches open until 2028.
If a recent bank or building society closure has left you without one nearby, you have some alternatives.
You can carry out most basic banking tasks at your nearest Post Office, although you won’t be able to apply for a loan or open a new bank account there.
You can find your nearest Post Office branch by using the locator tool on its website.
Meanwhile, many banks offer a mobile banking service – where they bring a bus to your area offering services you can usually get at a physical branch.
Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.
It’s worth contacting your bank to see what services they have available, and when they might next be in your area.
Last month it was announced that new super ATMs would launch in 17 UK locations where branch closures have left residents unable to access essential banking services.
The ATMs will allow customers to withdraw funds, access their balance, change PIN numbers and deposit cash.
Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank are already signed up to allow deposits, at the super ATMs, with more banks set to sign up soon.
IF your bank branch closes, it may be worth switching banks to another lender that still has a branch nearby.
It’s easy to switch current accounts through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) – just open a new account and ask the bank to switch your old account over.
Some banks are even offering switching incentives to move.
For example, First Direct is offering £175 to new customers who move from another bank.
It may also be worth getting set up with online banking before your branch closes.
That way, you can ask someone to help you get started in person.
Most banks have mobile apps which are easy to use and allow you to do basic banking and transactions from home.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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