THE festive season is here, but what happens if you need help to access your bank account?
We explain opening times over the holidays and how to access your cash.
1
Is your bank open over the festive break?
Christmas is a public holiday so your local bank branch was closed, but here is how you can access banking services from Barclays, Halifax, NatWest and Santander.
Christmas Day fell on a Friday this year and Boxing Day was on Saturday so the following Monday today, December 28, also becomes a bank holiday.
This means your local bank branch likely will be closed from Friday December 25 2020 until Tuesday December 29 2020.
Banks may also operate reduced hours during the remaining days until December 31.
As New Year’s Day falls on a Friday this year, that means your bank will be closed.
Many are also already operating reduced hours or are closed because of the pandemic.
However, you are still able to use a cash machine and access online banking all year round.
We have rounded up the Christmas opening times for Barclays, NatWest, Santander and Halifax below.
Bank holidays 2020
BANK holidays usually mean a day off work, giving Brits time to spend with their friends and family.
Here are the bank holidays in 2020, both past and upcoming:
- New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1
- January 2 (Scotland only)
- St Patrick’s Day – March 17 (Northern Ireland only)
- Good Friday – Friday, April 10
- Easter Monday – Monday, April 13
- VE Day bank holiday – Friday, May 8
- Spring bank holiday – Monday, May 25
- Summer bank holiday – Monday, August 31
- St Andrew’s Day – Monday, November 30 (Scotland only)
- Christmas Day – Friday, December 25
- Boxing Day (substitute day) – Monday, December 28
What are Barclays’ New Year opening hours?
Barclays will be shut on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day but you can still use its ATMs and online banking.
It has around 1,600 banks in the UK – use the online branch finder tool to find your nearest bank.
Opening times will vary due to the pandemic and the run-up to Christmas.
Its banks are typically open from 9am or 10am and shut between 3pm and 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
But many closed early at Christmas Eve at around 1230pm.
Customers can call the bank on 0345 734 5345 to check local opening times.
What are Halifax’s New Year opening hours?
Halifax is part of the Lloyds Banking Group which has more than 1,000 branches across the country.
These will all be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and the only way to access your finances will be through online banking or by withdrawing cash at an ATM.
Its branches are typically open from 9am or 10am until 330pm.
Branches closed at 2pm on Christmas Eve.
Use the Halifax branch locator to see opening times near you or call them on 0345 720 3040.
What are HSBC’s New Year opening hours?
HSBC’s 600 UK branches are typically open between 10am and 4pm.
All will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and are expected to shut early a day before.
Use the online branch finder to see where your nearest is and for details on opening hours.
HSBC customer service can be contacted on 0345 740 4404.
What are NatWest’s New Year opening hours?
NatWest’s 960 branches across the UK will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
NatWest’s core opening hours are typically 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and branches closed at 2pm on Christmas Eve.
NatWest can be called on 03457 888 444 or use its locator to find your nearest branch.
What are Santander’s New Year opening hours?
Santander’s 800 branches in the UK typically operate from 9.30am to 4.30pm, but some are closed due to the pandemic.
All branches were closed on Christmas Day and many also shut on Christmas Eve. Branches will also be closed on New Year’s Day.
Use the Santander branch locator to check opening times and avoid a wasted journey.
YOU’VE GOT MAIL
Post Office bank holiday opening hours explained
STOCK UP
Supermarket festive bank holiday opening hours including Tesco, Aldi and Morrisons
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Which shops ARE open during the bank holiday today? Here’s the full list
SALE AWAY
Marks and Spencer’s 50% off sale with discounts on homeware and fashion
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
Six steps to sort out your finances – and it could save you thousands
PRESENT AND CORRECT
Unwanted Christmas gifts sold on eBay – and presents are still wrapped
What are TSB’s New Year opening hours?
TSB has around 536 branches across the UK and all will close for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Its branches are typically open between 9am and 5pm but closed at 3pm on Christmas Eve.
You can contact TSB on 0345 975 8758 or use the branch finder to see where your nearest bank is, as well as its opening times.
Boris Johnson asks Brits to have a smaller and shorter Christmas but legal rules won’t change
