Halifax customers have been urged to take one specific action before Lloyds Banking Group phases out the 173-year-old Halifax brand. All customer accounts will be rebranded to Lloyds, and those using the Halifax app or online banking must accept an invitation to move their accounts to the Lloyds platform.
Brand discontinuation after 173 years
Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Halifax since 2009 and operates several branches in Birmingham, confirmed the move after reports in May indicated it was considering ending Halifax as a standalone brand. The change means that while account details, features, and benefits remain the same for now, the Halifax branding will gradually be replaced by Lloyds.
In a message on Halifax's social media account, the bank stated: "The Halifax brand is changing to Lloyds. Your account details will stay the same. There's no change to your account features and benefits today, but over time, the brand of your Halifax accounts will change to Lloyds."
Action required for app and online banking users
Customers who use the Halifax app or online banking must follow a specific process. The bank added: "You only need to do one thing. If you use the Halifax app and online banking, we'll send an invitation to move across to Lloyds. It will be in your Halifax app and online banking, so you'll know it's from us. We'll help guide you through the process in a few easy steps. There's no new passwords or memorable details to set up, and the Lloyds app is safe and secure, just like the Halifax app, and we'll be here to answer all of your questions. We look forward to welcoming you to Lloyds."
Political and local reaction
Halifax Labour MP Kate Dearden described the move as "bitterly disappointing" and said she had been in discussions with Lloyds to "ensure their commitment and continued investment in Halifax long into the future". She noted that the bank is a "local institution built on the hard work and investment of working people" and added: "While the Halifax brand will disappear, Lloyds can still play a major role in our local economy by investing in Halifax and creating the opportunities our young people need to thrive."
Calderdale Council's Reform leader Dan Sutherland said Lloyds Banking Group's relationship with Halifax as a place would remain "strong and enduring". He commented: "We know the Halifax brand is important for many generations of local people who care about the town's heritage and are proud of the brand's part in our local traditions, family history and Halifax's profile across the world. We are reassured Lloyds has made it very clear the business is absolutely committed to the town, having recently invested £116m into a major transformation of the iconic head office building at Trinity Road, to make it fit for the future."
What customers can expect
Lloyds Banking Group's chief executive of consumer relationships Jas Singh reassured customers that very little would change. "As Halifax changes to Lloyds, our Halifax customers will keep everything they know and love today - the same fantastic app design, the same friendly faces in our branches - even the same sort code and account number," he said.
Customers who do not use the Halifax app or online banking will be contacted separately about the transition. The bank emphasized that no new passwords or memorable information are needed, and the Lloyds app offers the same security as Halifax.
