Halifax customers must switch to the Lloyds Bank app before October 31 to avoid being locked out of their accounts when the Halifax online platform closes. MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has issued a reminder about the deadline.
What Customers Need to Do
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."
Customers will not lose permanent access to their accounts, but from November 1 onwards, they risk being "locked out" of the familiar Halifax platform. Two straightforward steps are required.
Firstly, launch the Halifax app, where a notification will urge a transfer to Lloyds. Most customers will have already received this message in recent months as part of the gradual rebrand. After clicking through, users are directed to the App Store to download the Lloyds Bank application, then log in using existing Halifax credentials.
No New Login Needed
The MSE team said: "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."
For those who only use online banking, a similar notification will appear at login with step-by-step instructions. Halifax has confirmed that savings, insurance, or mortgage products will not be affected during the switch.
Why the Change Is Happening
Lloyds Banking Group, the parent company of both banks, announced in July that it would drop the Halifax brand entirely from October 31, meaning new customers will no longer be able to open Halifax accounts. From November 1, Halifax says people opening the app will see a message telling them it is no longer in service.
On both brands' 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."
Existing Halifax branches that remain open will be rebranded as Lloyds Bank, with the process of changing physical branches happening throughout 2027. The removal of Halifax high street signs will begin in early 2027. Lloyds Banking Group has stated that if there are any changes to a local branch, customers will be notified directly well in advance. Updates are being rolled out in stages across different account types, and the group has committed to contacting customers individually before making any product changes.
