The announcement follows frustration expressed by a customer over the temporary closure of Barclays’ Lord Street branch in Liverpool. The situation highlights the increasing reliance on digital solutions in the banking sector and raises questions about accessibility for those affected by branch closures.
Barclays : Branch Closures Force Digital Adaptation
From November 16 to 29, Barclays‘ Lord Street location in Liverpool will be temporarily closed for maintenance. Despite being transferred to other branches in Warrington and Birkenhead, one customer expressed annoyance at the hassle of having to travel to these places only to perform simple banking operations. The difficulties that some people encounter when their access to in-person services is limited have been highlighted by this experience.
According to The Mirror, Barclays’ support team responded to the complaint by promoting the use of its mobile banking app. The app allows customers to deposit cheques of up to £5,000, with a limit of four deposits weekly for personal accounts and 20 for business accounts. The bank also highlighted this as a practical solution to reduce disruption, ensuring customers can continue banking without visiting a branch.
Alternative Solutions to Ensure Service Access
Barclays has also pointed to the Post Office network as an alternative for cheque deposits during branch closures. The closest Post Office to the affected branch is located inside WHSmith on South John Street in Liverpool. Free cash withdrawals, another crucial service, are available at Santander ATMs on Lord Street, providing additional convenience for customers.
To assist with the transition, Barclays has shared detailed instructions on its website for depositing cheques via the mobile app, helping customers unfamiliar with the process. To deposit a cheque, users should follow these steps:
- Access the App : Open the Barclays app and select the “Pay in a cheque” feature.
- Enter Details : Input the payee’s details and the amount of the cheque.
- Capture Images : Take clear photos of the cheque, ensuring all four corners are visible and the image is well-lit. Guidance is provided to optimise photo quality, including using a plain, dark background and steady hands.
- Submission and Confirmation : Submit the images. Once the cheque is successfully processed, it typically clears by 23:59 on the next working day, provided it was uploaded before 15:59 on a working day.
Customers can track their deposited cheques through the app’s “View cheques paid in” section. Barclays advises keeping the physical cheque for ten days after deposit, marked as “paid in,” in case of any follow-up queries.
As banks modernise their offerings, it is essential to ensure that digital tools are inclusive and that adequate alternatives are provided for those who rely on traditional methods, maintaining seamless service for a diverse clientele.
