New tool launches to help find your nearest bank branch as hundreds more to shut next year

A TOOL has been relaunched to help you find your nearest bank branch and access cash for free. 

The online tool from ATM network Link will include information about bank opening times and the services which are available at each branch.

It comes as more than 400 bank branches have closed this year alone as banks encourage customers to manage their money online.

The tool will also show the locations of the nearest free and pay-to-use ATMs, Post Offices and shops where customers can withdraw cash at the till.

More than 93% of the UK population live within one mile of the nearest free access to cash point, Link data shows.

Meanwhile, small businesses will be able to search for ATMs where they can deposit notes, helping them to bank their takings.

In total, the tool will show the locations of 50,000 free ways to access cash.

It will also feature 9,000 pay-to-use cash access locations.

Customers can use the tool to search for additional information such as the availability of £5 notes or accessibility.

Nick Quin, Head of Financial Inclusion at Link, described the tool as “critical” for shoppers who want cash on the go.

He said: “We know more people are choosing to pay for things using contactless cards or their phones, but millions still rely on access to cash. 

“It’s important to remember that while the face of the high street is changing, there are still many different ways of withdrawing money.”

How do I use the tool?

You can access it online or by downloading the app onto your smartphone.

To use it online simply enter a location or postcode.

You can refine your search based on what services you need.

For example, you can look for banks where you can withdraw money, check your balance or pay in cash.

You can also search just for ATMs, Post Offices and banking hubs.

Once you have refined your search the map will show all of the cash services in your area.

You can click on individual bank branches to see their opening times, services and accessibility.

Why are bank branches closing?

Bank and building society branches have disappeared from the high street at an alarming pace.

More than 6,000 bank branches have closed since 2015.

Meanwhile, since 2022 alone there have been 1,500 branch closures announced, according to Link.

Banks have said this is because customers want to bank online or via smartphone, so they are not using physical branches as often.

But the closures have left whole communities without access to cash or the ability to speak to someone about their finances.

More than 120 branches are set to close next year from banks including Halifax, Lloyds and Bank of Scotland.

Branches will be closed for good in towns and cities including Belfast, Warwick, Southampton and Leeds.

Meanwhile, Lloyds Bank has closed five branches this month, including in Ross-on-Wye, Thame and Market Harborough.

A Barclays bank has shut up shop in Richmond while a Bank of Scotland branch in Strathaven has closed.

What happens when a bank branch is closed?

When a bank branch closes, Link does an assessment on access to cash in the area.

It then provides recommendations for any new cash services that are needed, such as a banking hub.

The services are expected to open within 12 weeks of the assessment being complete.

Baking hubs are operated by the Post Office and offer a range of services such as deposits and withdrawals.

Staff from different banks provide their assistance on a rotating basis.

This ensures that customers have access to banking services throughout the week.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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