harpenden banking Hub latest news

The Harpenden Banking Hub opened back in December 2024 at the Town Hall, Leyton Road, and it has already proved to be a very important asset to the Harpenden community. 

Banking hubs offer easy access to face-to-face cash and banking in the heart of communities across the UK. They are owned by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office. Cash Access UK is funded by the UK's biggest banks including AIB NI, Bank of Ireland UK, Barclays, Danske Bank, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Santander, TSB and Virgin Money. These firms have come together to provide shared services available to all their customers.The Town Council led the campaign to establish a banking hub for close to three years, following the closure of Harpenden’s banks. Our work included public engagement conducted in 2023 which highlighted that the lack of banks in the Town had significantly impacted local people and businesses with reduced High Street footfall and lack of accessible banking services.

The current offer at the Town Hall is an interim location for the hub until centrally located, permanent premises are finalised. Read more about the Interim Banking Hub in our press release published in 2024.

The banking hub is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Residents, business, charities and community organisations are urged to use the service in the same way as their own bank to:

• Withdraw cash
• Pay in cash and cheques
• Check your balance
• Pay bills and make top ups
• Access change giving services (prearrangement may be required)
• Receive advice and support

You can find a full list of services here: https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/harpenden-hertfordshire/

In addition to the over the counter services detailed above, community bankers for five high street banks are also available to speak to in person, in a private space, for advice and assistance on the following days:

Monday – HSBC

Tuesday – Natwest

Wednesday – Santander

Thursday – Barclays

Friday – Lloyds

Community banker appointments are offered on a first come, first served basis, but it is possible to prebook an appointment time in advance with some banks. 

You can find out more about banking hubs, including details about each of the services on offer on the Cash Access UK website.