Lloyds Banking Group, the UK’s largest moneylender, has revealed plans to allow customers of Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to access services at any branch across the three brands. 

This move is aimed at providing customers with greater choice and flexibility and marks a shift in the group’s branch network strategy.

The new initiative will enable customers to make use of in-person banking services at any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, regardless of their primary account provider. This change is expected to complement the group’s existing digital offering, including mobile apps, online messaging and telephone services. Earlier this year, the bank announced its biggest ever multi-channel marketing campaign. 

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The announcement has sparked discussions about the future of branch networks. Some have raised concerns that this move could potentially lead to further branch closures.

Lloyds Banking Group has already implemented significant changes to its branch network. In January 2024, Lloyds announced plans to cut 1,600 jobs as part of a major branch overhaul and an additional 55 Lloyds Banking Group branches are scheduled to close across the UK this year.

A spokesperson for the BTU, which represents the interests of Lloyds employees, said, “The co-serving of customers is not about engagement or choice, it’s about making it easier for Lloyds to close more branches and save more money.”