Libraries to trial new pop-up bank branches

People in Oxfordshire who want to use face-to-face banking services may soon be able to go their local library to make their financial transactions.

The county council is looking for ways to use its libraries to host pop-up banks, focusing on areas where traditional services have already closed.

It is in response to an increasing number of banks and building societies leaving the high street in favour of providing more online alternatives.

Didcot Library has already trialled the idea, working with the Lloyds Banking Group to provide Community Banking Support.

The service is due to end later this week, but similar plans are now being made for other libraries in Oxfordshire, as well as council offices.

In 2024, 7% of day-to-day account holders had not used online banking or a mobile banking app in the last 12 months, according to the Financial Conduct Authority.

The main reasons given were preferring to speak with someone in person (41%) and a concern that digital banking was not secure (37%).

In Oxfordshire, there are currently eight areas without any traditional banking services, including Benson, Carterton, Chinnor, Eynsham, Faringdon, Grove, Shrivenham and Sonning Common.

Pop-up banks are already being used in other community spaces in Oxfordshire, including the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot.

Customers can get advice on money management and products and services, but cannot pay in cheques or take out cash.

Cornerstone staff said the service was popular and that other high street banks had approached them about operating at the centre.

Ruth Davies, who works in Didcot, said she visited the Barclays Local branch at the Cornerstone Arts Centre to pay in a cheque before being directed to the post office.

"I really like the online banking," she said.

"I don't think I've had to pay a cheque in for a year... it's not a common request but I do need to pay it in."

Visiting the service with her mother, Valerie Asher, Sharon Hawkins said her mother would prefer to visit branches in-person.

"Mum's not very good with technology, so without a bank she can't do her banking and relies on family to help her," Ms Hawkins said.

"[The pop-up] is helpful... but I think Mum would prefer to go to a bank, but obviously most of them have been closed."

Halifax has also been operating its Community Banker service at the nearby Didcot Library for one day a week, but the service is now closing.

The bank said its customers could use the Lloyds branch in Market Place for in-person banking.

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