BANKING HUBS EXPLAINED
WITH the opening of the new Banking Hib in Crook, it has become apparent that not everyone
understands just what it is and what it offers.
First of all, it is not a Post Office but Post Office staff do run Banking Hubs on behalf of ALL other
banks.
The hubs – shared spaces on the high street letting customers of multiple banks deposit and
withdraw cash and perform other everyday banking tasks – look set to become the main way for
many to access banking in the coming years, as banks continue to shut individual branches.
You can use the banking hubs to access your cash and get face-to-face help.
The hubs have counter services operated by Post Office staff, where you can withdraw and
deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions. It is NOT a Post Office
so you can’t buy a stamp or send a parcel and the Post Office in Crook is part of a grocery store on
North Terrace.
In addition, the new banking hub have private spaces where you can speak to someone from your
own bank about more complex issues, such as applying for loans or mortgages etc. These work on a
rotating basis, so there are staff from different banks available on different days. Most of the big
banks in the UK are taking part, covering the “vast majority” of customers.
Each hub has a different schedule depending on which banks have the most customers in a given
area. Research has been carried out about Crook and surrounding villagers and the most popular five
banks have personnel for face-to-face meetings on a given day in the week. For example, in Crook,
Nat West staff will be available on Mondays with a private space separate from the counter staff for
private conversations. Other banks are there on other days and include Barclays.
The Banking Hub in Crook is open Monday to Fridays 9am – 5pm.
