Halifax customers ‘locked out’ risk after October 31 deadline

Martin Lewis’ team from MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has issued a reminder to all Halifax customers about an important deadline. Millions have until the end of October to make a switch – or risk being ‘locked out’ of bank accounts when the online app shuts down in a matter of days.

The MSE team said: “Halifax is about to shut its online banking, so if you’re a customer, you need to act now. The brand will soon be swallowed up by Lloyds Banking Group.

“The Halifax app and online banking will be shut down completely from October 31. That means you’ll need to switch over to the Lloyds Bank app before November.”

This does not mean that customers lose access to their accounts for good, but from November 1, they could be “locked out” of the usual Halifax app. Instead, there are two simple steps to take.

First, open your Halifax app and you’ll see a notification prompting you to make the switch over to Lloyds. Most customers will have already had this over the last few months as part of the phased rebrand.

When you click, you’ll be taken to the App Store where you can download the Lloyds Bank app. You’ll then need to log into the Lloyds app with your existing Halifax details.

The MSE team added: “You won’t need to create a new login. Once you complete this step, you won’t be able to use your Halifax app anymore, and all your products will appear in the Lloyds app.

“If you only use online banking, you’ll get a similar notification when you log in online, with step-by-step instructions for how to switch. If you have savings, insurance, or a mortgage with Halifax, for example, the bank has confirmed that this won’t be affected during the switch.”

Why is this happening?

Lloyds Banking Group – the parent company of both banks – announced in July that it will scrap the Halifax brand completely from October 31, with new customers no longer able to open Halifax accounts.

On both brand’s websites, it said: “We’re bringing our brands together under one leading relationship brand in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to make banking simpler, smarter and more joined-up. This allows us to invest more in products, digital tools and personalised support, helping customers get more value and better support at every stage of life.

“Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland are all part of the same family, and we’re letting you know for awareness only. The Halifax brand will change to Lloyds, and there will be no changes to your accounts or services.”