A significant transition is underway for customers of Halifax and its sister brands as their credit cards are set to be replaced over the coming months. The switch, already communicated by email and letters, marks a major operational update by Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Halifax.
In 2024, the group announced a major change to its credit card provider, selecting Visa as its new partner. Now, the process of moving approximately 10 million cards from Mastercard to Visa is being put into action. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, according to Halifax.
10 Million Cards Affected by Partnership Change
Customers across the Lloyds Banking Group network (specifically Halifax, Bank of Scotland and MBNA) will receive new Visa credit cards to replace their existing Mastercard products. According to information issued by Halifax, customers have been told: “If you’re eligible, your Halifax Mastercard credit card will be replaced with a new Visa credit card in the next few weeks.”
The bank has already started notifying account holders by email and text, with delivery of the new cards set to follow shortly. To ensure a smooth transition, Halifax is asking customers to make sure their contact information (including email, home address and mobile number) is accurate and up to date. This can be done online or via the bank’s app.
Once the new card is delivered, customers may continue using their Mastercard temporarily, but it will be deactivated soon after the Visa card is activated. As explained by the bank, “Your card’s features are staying the same, including your credit limit and payment date, as will your PIN.” Those who pay by direct debit will see a new reference number but will not need to make any changes themselves.
Customers are also being reminded to update any recurring payments, such as insurance premiums or subscription services, that are currently linked to their Mastercard, to avoid failed transactions. The new Visa cards can be added to digital wallets immediately and used for contactless smartphone payments. Anyone uncertain about the process is advised to get in touch with Halifax directly.
Lloyds Highlights Fraud Prevention and Seamless Payments
Lloyds Banking Group has presented the change as a move to streamline services and enhance customer experience through a wider partnership with Visa. The bank says the agreement allows for “even greater use of Visa’s fraud prevention capabilities”, with the new system supported by Visa’s ongoing £8 billion investment in payment technologies.
Marc Lien, Managing Director of Credit Cards at Lloyds Banking Group, stated: “Our expanded partnership with Visa brings significant benefits to our customers, offering a seamless way to make payments, in addition to a range of upcoming innovative new products and services.” He added that more details would be announced in due course.
Visa has also expressed enthusiasm over the development. Mandy Lamb, Managing Director for UK and Ireland at Visa, said: “We’re excited to take our long-standing partnership with Lloyds Banking Group to the next level,” noting that the two companies have worked together for four decades. According to her, the shift will result in improved services for both debit and credit card users.
With more than 30 million Visa credentials already issued across Lloyds’ debit card customers, this latest development is part of a larger strategy to unify services under one card provider. As of now, no changes have been announced regarding Lloyds Bank-branded credit cards.
