Halifax customers have until the end of October to switch to the Lloyds Bank app or risk being locked out of their accounts when the Halifax online banking service shuts down. MoneySavingExpert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, issued the reminder to all Halifax customers about the upcoming change.
What happens on October 31
The Halifax app and online banking will be shut down completely from October 31, according to the MSE team. Customers will need to switch over to the Lloyds Bank app before November. From November 1, they could be locked out of the usual Halifax app, although they will not lose access to their accounts permanently.
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."
How to make the switch
Customers need to take two simple steps. First, open the Halifax app and look for a notification prompting the switch to Lloyds. Most customers will have already received this over the past few months as part of the phased rebrand. Clicking the notification takes them to the App Store to download the Lloyds Bank app, where they log in using their 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."
For those using only online banking, a similar notification will appear when logging in online, with step-by-step instructions for switching. Halifax has confirmed that savings, insurance, or mortgage products will not be affected during the switch.
Why the brand is being retired
Lloyds Banking Group, the parent company of both banks, announced in July that it will scrap the Halifax brand completely from October 31. New customers will no longer be able to open Halifax accounts.
On both brands' websites, the company 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."
The statement continued: "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."
