A major UK bank is shutting down its app and online banking services, leaving customers with just one month to switch.
Those who miss the deadline will lose access to its digital platforms.
Halifax customers must move to Lloyds Bank’s app and online banking by November 1 to continue managing their finances digitally.
The change affects customers who use Halifax’s digital services for current accounts, savings, mortgages, credit cards, loans and insurance products.
Lloyds Banking Group, which owns both banks, announced the move in July. From October 31, new customers will no longer be able to open Halifax accounts.
Earlier this month, Halifax reminded customers that it would begin shutting down its app from October 5, before digital access ends on November 1.
Halifax says switching apps should take only “a few clicks”.
Customers will receive a notification in their existing Halifax app prompting them to start the move.
They will then be directed to their phone’s app store to download the Lloyds Bank app, unless they already have it installed.
Once the app is downloaded, customers can sign in using their existing Halifax username and password.
They will not need to create a new password or set up new memorable information. Their existing cards and products should appear automatically in the Lloyds Bank app once they log in.
After the switch, the Halifax app will display a confirmation message saying: “Now you’ve successfully moved to Lloyds, this app is no longer available.”
Halifax is closing multiple bank branches this year | GETTY
For those who use online banking on a computer rather than the app, a prompt will appear upon logging in inviting them to begin the transition to Lloyds Bank. Customers should then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
However, if you switch via desktop first and later want to use the Lloyds app, you will need to set up your app login details separately.
The Halifax app will keep working until Sunday 1 November, making Saturday 31 October the final day to complete the switch while still enjoying full access.
Anyone attempting to log in to the Halifax app from 1 November will simply see a message stating the service is no longer available.
Lloyds said it remained committed to the town of Halifax and the wider Yorkshire and Humber region | GETTY
Importantly, credit and debit cards will continue to function regardless of whether customers make the digital switch.
These will gradually be replaced with Lloyds-branded versions at the point of renewal or replacement.
Customers can also rest assured that their account numbers, PINs and sort codes will not change as part of the transition.
Protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme will likewise remain unaffected. Crucially, Halifax and Lloyds Bank do not currently share FSCS coverage, meaning anyone with savings at both banks will continue to benefit from separate £120,000 limits, providing up to £240,000 of combined protection.
Halifax said customers should expect updates about the move via email, letter, or through the app and online banking.
The bank also issued a fraud warning, stressing that it will never ask customers to log in or verify their identity through a link or QR code, request personal details by phone, text or email, or ask anyone to move their money.