Banks open: Are the banks open during the coronavirus lockdown?
BANKS still provide a vital service during the COVID-19 pandemic, as some people may find themselves needing to manage their finances with increasing urgency. Are banks open during the coronavirus lockdown?
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Banks continue to provide a valuable service during the COVID-19 lockdown from a distance, as people need to manage their finances to navigate the strict government measures. Most now conduct their business online, but some branches remain open for walk-in customers.
Are banks open during the coronavirus lockdown?
Banks across the UK have remained open in the wake of COVID-19, as the Government has added them to the lockdown exemption list.
They join supermarkets, pharmacies and other select shops which can still practice business in person.
How they operate depends on the bank, however.
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HSBC
HSBC said its branches are either closed or operating on reduced hours, but has not said exactly which locations have shut their doors.
Reduced hours also vary branch to branch, and customers should check first, while phone lines remain open from 8am to 8pm.
They did warn that wait times are slightly longer than usual, however.
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Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Banking Group plc, which owns and operates both Lloyds and Halifax, has closed branches of both banks.
A total of 99 Halifax branches have closed due to COVID-19, followed by another 157 Lloyds branches.
Other branches have stayed open and will accept customers who don't exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.
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Natwest and RBS
Branches with both RBS and Natwest will open for "as long as possible" during the pandemic, while some have altered their hours.
They said they would communicate any changes to local branch hours via their website or app, and asked customers not to come in unless it is essential.
Much like other shops, they have also introduced social distancing measures.
Nationwide
Nationwide has closed a total of 50 branches during the COVID-19 crisis and reduced the hours of hundreds more.
A total fo 450 branches now open from 10am to 2pm on weekdays, and 9am to 12pm on the weekend.
They have axed face-to-face appointments, and people visiting locations will only be able to interact with employees over the counter.
Santander
Santander has introduced a variety of changes during the lockdown, with branch hours cut to 10am – 4pm on weekdays and shut on weekends.
The majority of branches remain open, but "a number" of them have closed, including all of its university locations.
Customers who have scheduled face-to-face appointments must now do them via phone or online.