Lloyds Banking Group has clarified how a major change to its account offering will affect Halifax customers, confirming that the transition to the Lloyds Bank brand is digital-only and that core account details remain unchanged.
The group is migrating Halifax customers to the Lloyds Bank brand, a move that prompted an emotional response from one affected customer. The account holder contacted the bank via social media, saying they had "never been more sad" about being "forced to move" over, describing the change as the "end of an era."
What stays the same
In a reply to the customer, Lloyds Bank explained: "The change only affects how you access your account digitally. Your account itself remains with Halifax, and your account number, sort code, debit card, PIN, direct debits and standing orders all stay the same."
Official guidance on the Halifax website offers similar reassurance, stating that "everything about how your accounts work stays the same." The information page lists account numbers, sort codes, policy numbers, roll numbers, card details, PINs, standing orders, direct debits, payments and repayments as elements that will remain completely unchanged.
Action needed before deadline
Invitations have been issued through the Halifax app and online portal, guiding users to set up their new access via Lloyds Bank. Both providers operate under the same parent group, Lloyds Banking Group, alongside Bank of Scotland.
Despite the continuity of service, customers need to take prompt action. The team at Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert recently shared an update highlighting an important deadline: "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."
Switchover process
The switchover process varies depending on a customer's existing profile. For individuals who already maintain a Lloyds Bank app or online banking profile, no further action is required; their setup is already complete and active.
Halifax guidance also outlines options for business account holders: "If you have Lloyds login details from a business banking account, these will now also work with the Lloyds personal app and online banking, and your business accounts will stay separate. If you don't have the Lloyds app yet, you can download it and start using it whenever you're ready."
