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STV News
4 days ago
- Business
- STV News
NatWest fixes issues which left thousands of customers locked out of accounts
NatWest's mobile app is back up and running after service issues left its customers unable to log in for several hours on Friday. The bank said it had fixed the problems and apologised to users who were unable to view or make payments. A spokeswoman for the bank said: 'NatWest customers experienced difficulty accessing our mobile app today. 'We have resolved the issues causing this and customers are now able to log in and make payments as normal. 'We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.' More than 3,000 outages were reported through the services monitoring site Downdetector at about 10am on Friday. And many more could have been affected by the outage across the approximately ten million customers who use the mobile app to access their bank accounts every day. Several users said they could not pay bills, send wages or transfer funds between accounts on Friday morning. NatWest reassured customers the issue stemmed from an update it made to the app on Thursday, after some customers raised concerns over recent major cyber hacks affecting Marks & Spencer and the Co-op. An error message occurs when customers try to access their mobile banking app. / Credit: NatWest Disgruntled customers expressed their frustration over the outage on social media. Several users said they could not pay bills, send wages, or transfer funds between accounts on Friday morning. The technical issues come off the back of major cyber hacks which have affected Marks & Spencer and the Co-op, with customers concerned that NatWest could be the next company targeted. However, Natwest reassured customers that the issue was caused by an update it made to the app on Thursday. High street banks have been in the firing line over a string of outages that have affected customers, particularly around the end of the month when it is typically pay day for many households. Data gathered by the Treasury Committee in March found there had been more than 33 days worth of unplanned tech and system outages in the last two years for nine of the UK's biggest banks and building societies. NatWest told the committee it had 13 'material' incidents between 2023 and 2025, paying nearly £350,000 in compensation for customers who complained. NatWest has said the issues stemmed from an update they made to the app. / Credit: NatWest Barclays said it could pay up to £12.5 million in compensation for millions of customers affected over the period. Common reasons given for the incidents include problems with third-party suppliers, disruption caused when systems were changed, and internal software malfunctions. Jenny Ross, money editor for consumer champion Which?, said: 'Banks are encouraging more and more of us to rely on apps to do our essential banking, so when these go down it can be devastating. 'In the worst cases there's a risk that impacted NatWest customers may miss important bill payments, find themselves unable to pay for essential services or risk going overdrawn – issues which could come with knock-on effects like late payment or overdraft penalties, or affect their ability to get credit or borrow money. 'NatWest must ensure customers are kept updated and are swiftly compensated where appropriate. 'Anyone affected should keep evidence of impacted payments in case they need to make a claim, and if you think you'll be unable to pay a bill, contact the company involved as soon as possible to ensure they're aware and waive any late payment fees.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NatWest fixes issues which left customers unable to use mobile app
NatWest's mobile app is back up and running after service issues left its customers unable to log in for several hours on Friday. The bank said it had fixed the problems and apologised to users who were unable to view or make payments. A spokeswoman for the bank said: 'NatWest customers experienced difficulty accessing our mobile app today. 'We have resolved the issues causing this and customers are now able to log in and make payments as normal. 'We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.' More than 3,000 outages were reported through services monitoring site Downdetector at about 10am on Friday. And many more could have been affected by the outage across the approximately ten million customers who use the mobile app to access their bank accounts every day. Disgruntled customers took to social media site X to express their frustration over the outage, which has left them unable to send or receive money through the app. Several users said they could not pay bills, send wages or transfer funds between accounts on Friday morning. NatWest reassured customers the issue stemmed from an update it made to the app on Thursday, after some customers raised concerns over recent major cyber hacks affecting Marks & Spencer and the Co-op. It also urged people to use online or telephone banking, or visit a branch, while it was trying to fix the issues. High street banks have been in the firing line over a string of outages that have affected customers, particularly around the end of month when it is typically pay day for many households. Data gathered by the Treasury Committee in March found there had been more than 33 days' worth of unplanned tech and system outages in the last two years for nine of the UK's biggest banks and building societies. NatWest had 13 'material' incidents between 2023 and 2025, paying nearly £350,000 in compensation for customers who complained, it told the committee. Barclays said it could pay up to £12.5 million in compensation for millions of customers affected over the period. Common reasons given for the incidents include problems with third-party suppliers, disruption caused when systems were changed, and internal software malfunctions. Jenny Ross, money editor for consumer champion Which?, said: 'Banks are encouraging more and more of us to rely on apps to do our essential banking, so when these go down it can be devastating. 'In the worst cases there's a risk that impacted NatWest customers may miss important bill payments, find themselves unable to pay for essential services or risk going overdrawn – issues which could come with knock-on effects like late payment or overdraft penalties, or affect their ability to get credit or borrow money. 'NatWest must ensure customers are kept updated and are swiftly compensated where appropriate. 'Anyone affected should keep evidence of impacted payments in case they need to make a claim, and if you think you'll be unable to pay a bill, contact the company involved as soon as possible to ensure they're aware and waive any late payment fees.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
More than 13million Brits still rely on bank branches despite a whopping 6,000 of them closing over last decade
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of bank customers face being left stranded after a damning report revealed 6,000 branch closures over the past decade. A whopping 13million customers used bank branches last year, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 More than 6,000 bank branches have shut over the past decade Credit: PA The data shows that most users remain "reliant on bank branches for essential services," despite the move toward online banking. The FCA report revealed that an eye-watering 9.7million people visited a specific site at least once a month. Experts fear that the trend of branch closures will leave customers stranded with around 3.3million account holders never banked online. Around 63 per cent of those are over the age of 85, which raises further concern, according to the FCA. The report also found that people from low-income households - as well as those with cancer, multiple sclerosis, or HIV — were less likely to engage with digital banking. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "The disappearance of face-to-face banking risks cutting a significant minority of the older population out of an essential service, making it difficult if not impossible for them to maintain their independence." The main reasons people avoided online banking were concerns about security and a preference for speaking to someone face-to-face. A staggering 21 per cent of account holders surveyed said their regular bank branch had closed. Consumer group, Which?, showed that more than 6,000 branches have shut in the past decade. Jenny Ross, money editor at Which? said: "As the UK's bank branch network continues to be cut to the bone, more people are finding it difficult to access banking services." Major high street bank axing key service Former pensions minister Ros Altmann added: 'Millions of British citizens cannot and do not use online or mobile banking, and indeed don't even have a smartphone. Despite the rising bank closures, Nationwide has committed to keeping all of its branches open until 2028. The major bank has seen the number of customers rise by 4 per cent, which appears to be partly driven by other bank closures. Which bank branches are closing in June? Halifax: Bitterne: 400/402 Bitterne Road SO18 5RS – June 9 400/402 Bitterne Road SO18 5RS – June 9 Bournemouth: 335/337 Wimborne Road BH9 2EA – June 4 335/337 Wimborne Road BH9 2EA – June 4 Felixstowe: 85 Hamilton Road IP11 7BQ – June 2 85 Hamilton Road IP11 7BQ – June 2 Fleetwood: 4 Poulton Street FY7 6LR – June 22 4 Poulton Street FY7 6LR – June 22 Gainsborough: 32 Lord Street DN21 2DQ – June 2 32 Lord Street DN21 2DQ – June 2 Launceston: 1 Southgate Street PL15 9DP – June 3 1 Southgate Street PL15 9DP – June 3 Leek: 16 Derby Street ST13 5AB – June 4 16 Derby Street ST13 5AB – June 4 Letchworth: 1 Commerce Way SG6 3DN – June 3 1 Commerce Way SG6 3DN – June 3 Littlehampton: 68 High Street BN17 5EA – June 23 68 High Street BN17 5EA – June 23 London (North West): 469 Kingsbury Road NW9 9ES – June 2 Bank of Scotland: Bathgate: 50 Hopetoun Street EH48 4EU – June 30 50 Hopetoun Street EH48 4EU – June 30 Cowdenbeath: 349/351 High Street KY4 9QJ – June 24 349/351 High Street KY4 9QJ – June 24 Linlithgow: Regent Centre Blackness Road EH49 7HU – June 23 Lloyds: Alcester: Stratford Road B49 5AX – June 25 Stratford Road B49 5AX – June 25 Ashbourne: Compton DE6 1DY – June 24 Compton DE6 1DY – June 24 Dorchester: 1-2 High West Street DT1 1UG – June 19 1-2 High West Street DT1 1UG – June 19 Launceston: 13 Broad Street PL15 8AG – June 3 13 Broad Street PL15 8AG – June 3 Liverpool: 188-190 Breck Road L5 6PX – June 4 Over the rest of the year, another 40 branches are closing. These include locations in Bristol, London, Bolton, Edinburgh and Coventry. Here is the full list... Halifax: Barrow-in-Furness: 133-135 Dalton Road LA14 1HZ – September 10 Bexleyheath: 131 Broadway DA6 7HF – October 23 Blackpool: 283/287 Lytham Road FY4 1DP – October 29 Bolton: 23/27 Knowsley Street BL1 2DG – November 20 Brentwood: 12 High Street CM14 4AE – September 10 Bristol: 15 Kings Chase Shopping Centre BS15 8LP – October 8 Carmarthen: 121/122 Lammas Street SA31 3AE – October 6 Castleford: 68 Carlton Street WF10 1DB – September 8 Cirencester: 10/12 Cricklade Street GL7 1JH – September 25 Crewe: The Market Centre CW1 2HU – October 14 Derby: 39 East Street DE1 2BL – October 23 Epsom: 51-52 The Ashley Centre KT18 5DB – September 15 Erdington: 221 High Street B23 6SS – September 24 Folkestone: 70-72 Sandgate Road CT20 2AA – October 9 Hayes: 45/47 Station Road UB3 4HH – October 6 Hexham: 20 Priestpopple NE46 1XH – November 5 Hove: 86/87 George Street BN3 3YE – October 20 London (South East): 165/169 Eltham High Street SE9 1TT – October 29 London (South East): 9-13 Powis Street SE18 6HZ – October 1 London (South West): 6 St Johns Hill SW11 1RU – September 23 Bank of Scotland: Edinburgh: 206 St John's Road EH12 8SH – October 29 Lloyds: Biggleswade: 35 High Street SG18 0JD – November 5 Blandford: 6 Market Place DT11 7EE – November 10 Bristol: 16 Highridge Road BS13 8HA – November 6 Bury: 45 The Rock BL9 0JP – October 21 Chard: 27 Fore Street TA20 1PS – November 11 Coventry: 531 Foleshill Road CV6 5JN – November 4 Dunstable: 12 High Street North LU6 1JY – November 4 East Grinstead: 1/3 London Road RH19 1AH – November 12 Fakenham: 27 Norwich Street NR21 9AH – July 1 Falmouth: 11-12 Killigrew Street TR11 3RA – November 13 Feltham: 40 The Centre TW13 4AX – November 4 Ferndown: 84 Victoria Road BH22 9JB – November 17 Hexham: Priestpopple NE46 1PA – November 5 Kidderminster: 1 Vicar Street DY10 1DE – October 16 Leeds: 1 Cross Gates Centre LS15 8ET – August 20 Leeds: 52 Town Street LS12 3AE – September 8 Leominster: 9 Corn Square HR6 8LT – November 18 London (East): 180 - 182 High Street E17 7JH – October 22 London (South West): 12 Mitcham Road SW17 9ND – October 8 Loughton: 11 The Broadway IG10 3SW – November 12 Manchester: 64 Old Church Street M40 2JF – November 5 Since June 2022, Lloyds Banking Group has shut 537 bank branches across its three brands. It has previously said all workers at the affected branches will be offered jobs elsewhere in the company. UK banks and building societies have closed about 6,293 branches since January 2015, according to research by Which?. This works out as almost two branches shutting every day for the past decade. Barclays is the individual bank that has reduced its network the most, with 1,227 branch closures. What to do if your local bank is set to close If your nearest branch is closing, you should still be able to access banking services without going to another town. For example you could check if there is a Post Office near you. Here you'll be able to do basic banking tasks, although you won't be able to open a new bank account or take out personal loans or mortgages. You can find your nearest Post Office branch by visiting Many banks also offer a mobile banking service where they bring a bus to your area that offers services you can usually get at a physical branch. Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services. You may want to contact your bank to see what mobile services they have available. Another option is to check if there's a super ATM near you. These have been rolled out across the UK where branch closures have left residents unable to access essential banking services. These ATMs will allow customers to withdraw funds, access their balance, change PIN numbers and deposit cash. Banking hubs are also being opened across the country with 250 set to be available by the end of 2025.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Santander to close five North East branches and cut hours of more
Santander is set to close five North East banks amid sweeping changes across its network. The Spanish-owned banking giant has announced it will be shutting 95 branches across the country from June while cutting hours across 36 sites and switching 18 to counter-free. The move will put around 750 jobs at risk, which is more than 4% of its 18,000 UK workforce if plans get the go-ahead after consultation with unions. Among the 95 closures are five banks in the region: Blyth Redcar Stokesley Whitley Bay Gateshead, at the Metrocentre Several other North East banks will also see hours reduced from June 30. The Washington branch, at The Galleries, will soon change to opening times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9.30am and 3pm. The Durham branch will soon only be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30am and 3pm and on Saturdays between 09:30am and 12:30pm. The bank is also changing 18 sites to being counter-free branches from June 16, but stressed they will also be manned by staff to offer face-to-face support, with an average of eight workers in these branches. This includes the Hartlepool branch. The group will be recruiting 95 new community bankers in the locations where it is shutting branches and hopes to redeploy some of the affected workers into these jobs. It said that 18 new banking hubs will need to be launched to serve local areas across the UK following its branch changes. The news today means the high street lender will later this year reduce its total number of branches from 444 to 349. It comes in response to customers increasingly switching to online banking, with a 63% surge in digital transactions since 2019 while branch transactions have slumped by 61% in that time, according to the firm. The news also comes just several years after the firm shut 111 branches in 2021, which was around a fifth of its network at the time. A Santander spokesperson said: 'As customer behaviour changes, we are ensuring that our branches remain fit for the future. "Our new combination of full-service branches, alongside work cafes, counter-free branches, and reduced hours branches, aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance.' He added: 'Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.' To support the changes, Santander said it will be 'proactively contacting all potentially vulnerable customers by phone and will assist those customers of closing branches to find other ways to bank that best suit their needs' Read More: Bedale grandad claims oxygen was 'turned down' at Friarage Hospital Police swoop after illegal trap and pony race along A1(M) Carabao Cup: Newcastle United fans react to historic win Jenny Ross, money editor at consumer group Which?, warned Santander's branch closures will 'come as a real blow to many customers'. She said: 'Schemes introduced by the banking industry to protect these services, such as banking hubs, are a good start in plugging gaps left by closing physical branches, but they must be rolled out much more quickly if consumers are to feel their benefits. 'The government must hold banks' feet to the fire to ensure the commitments they've made to set up 350 hubs by 2029 are met – and should be prepared to review the target upwards if necessary.'
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
FCA likely to consult on motor finance redress if widespread failings found
The City regulator is poised to consult on an industry-wide redress scheme if motor finance customers are found to have lost out from widespread failings by firms. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a statement saying that it wants 'to provide as much certainty as possible to firms, consumers and stakeholders'. The regulator is currently reviewing the past use of motor finance discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs). It is seeking to understand if firms failed to comply with requirements relating to DCAs and if consumers lost out as a result. If they have, the regulator said it wants to make sure consumers are appropriately compensated in an orderly, consistent and efficient way. Since the regulator launched its review, a ruling by the Court of Appeal has raised the possibility of widespread liability among motor finance firms, wherever commissions were not properly disclosed to customers. The Supreme Court is due to hear an appeal against the Court of Appeal's judgment next month. The FCA said on Tuesday: 'We are confirming that if, taking into account the Supreme Court's decision, we conclude motor finance customers have lost out from widespread failings by firms, then it's likely we will consult on an industry-wide redress scheme. We previously said it is more likely than when we started our review that we will introduce an alternative way of dealing with complaints. 'Under a redress scheme, firms would be responsible for determining whether customers have lost out due to the firm's failings. If they have, firms would need to offer appropriate compensation. We would set rules firms must follow and put checks in place to make sure they do.' A redress scheme would be simpler for consumers than bringing a complaint, the regulator said. It added: 'We would expect fewer consumers to rely on a claims management company, meaning they would keep all of any compensation they receive. It would also be more orderly and efficient for firms than a complaint-led approach, contributing to a well-functioning market in the future.' The regulator said it would confirm within six weeks of the Supreme Court's decision if it is proposing a redress scheme and if so how it will take the scheme forward. It added: 'Throughout our work, we will continue to consider how to make sure affected consumers are appropriately compensated and the motor finance market continues to work well, with effective competition, for the millions of consumers who rely on it every year.' The Financial Ombudsman Service recently said that hire purchase related to motor vehicles was the area that generated the most complaints between October and December 2024. It said case numbers had risen due to complaints about motor finance commission arrangements. Jenny Ross, editor of Which? Money, said: 'While much still rests on the Supreme Court decision, a redress scheme would remove the need for consumers to make a direct complaint to providers. 'This could greatly simplify the process and reduce the need for claims management firms to be involved, increasing the chances of motorists getting 100% of any payout that may be awarded.' Sign in to access your portfolio
