Martin Lewis has warned Halifax customers that the bank's app and online services will be shut down from the beginning of November, urging them to switch to the Lloyds Bank app before Sunday, November 1.
The move follows an announcement by Lloyds Banking Group, the parent company of both banks, in July that the Halifax brand would be completely scrapped from October 31. No new customers will be able to open Halifax accounts.
Who is affected by the switch
The Money Saving Expert explained that anyone using Halifax's app or online banking services on mobile or desktop needs to switch to the Lloyds Bank version if they have not already done so. This applies to anyone who manages their account online, from banking and savings customers to borrowers with mortgages, credit cards and loans, and insurance customers.
According to Halifax, the switch should take a few clicks. App users will receive a notification prompting them to make the change and will be directed to the app store to download the Lloyds app.
How to make the move
Customers can log in using their existing Halifax log-in details, with all their cards and products already visible. The Halifax app will then display a message saying "now you've successfully moved to Lloyds, this app is no longer available".
For those using online banking instead, logging in will show an invite to start the move to Lloyds, and customers should follow the steps provided.
What happens after the deadline
All customers will be locked out of Halifax's services from November 1, so Martin Lewis has urged bankers to ensure they make the move ahead of this date. However, credit and debit cards will remain fully operational even if the online switch is not made.
Over time these will gradually be replaced with Lloyds branded ones. Halifax has confirmed there will be no changes to account numbers, sort codes or PINs.
