Availability of standard banking services through the Post Office will help those who rely on face to face services

The Post Office has today announced a new arrangement with UK banks which will see 99% of customers having access to the same banking services through the Post Office network.

Citizens Advice has said that this should bring an end to patchy service where who you banked with determined the type of banking services you can access through the Post Office.  

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“Banks need to strike a balance between offering innovative digital services while also making sure there is still a face to face service for those who need it.

“Many people and businesses still rely on over the counter services to do their day to day banking - like making payments and depositing cash - but branch closures have made that more difficult.  

“Up until now people wanting to access banking services through post offices faced a patchy service - with the services on offer varying depending on who you bank with.  

“Standardising the banking services people can access through post offices will be good for consumers and recognises that having access to a face to face banking service is still needed and valued by customers.

“It’s now for banks and the Post Office to make sure that people know about the changes so they can make the most of them.  It’s also important that the availability of local post office services are considered as part of any decisions on further changes to bank branches.”

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Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.

  5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication  Advice trends .

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.