RBS to shut more branches

[oconnors_strip]

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You can pay cash/cheques in at the post office and can take cash out there or at an atm.

That probably covers the bulk of the need.

What about the elderly who don't like using ATMs and don't have a post office close by? My grandad never used an ATM, he would always go in to his branch for money every couple of days.

Also what is going to happen with all the staff in these branches which are closing? I'm sure some of them won't want a call centre type job

[RyeSloan]

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What about the elderly who don't like using ATMs and don't have a post office close by? My grandad never used an ATM, he would always go in to his branch for money every couple of days.

Also what is going to happen with all the staff in these branches which are closing? I'm sure some of them won't want a call centre type job

Keeping open loss making branches that fewer and fewer people use just because there are a few elderly folk that don't use an ATM doesn't seem a sensible business case to me. Anyway I'm not sure this 'what about the elderly' thing makes much sense...ATM's have been around for decades so to suggest that just because you are in later years means you can't or won't use one just seems a bit odd. And most elderly folk have seen technology arrive and a lot have embraced it, at least to some degree. Again just because you are over 65 or whatever doesn't mean you can't use online banking or pick up a phone.

As for the staff I have no idea...hopefully they can find alternative roles for them but again, while difficult for them on a personal level, you can't expect a business to support loss making areas for evermore.

[steakbake]

I'd count my parents as elderly - they are retired and into their 70s. They're pretty ok at remote banking, but prefer telephone banking (speaking to someone) over doing something online, I'd say. Their local branch has closed some time ago, but they did eventually adapt after a short while of being a bit shocked to see something that's been in the village for decades suddenly disappear. There is also the post-office counter, where they can take money out and pay money in.

It's all about ensuring there's some good information about the alternatives.

To be honest, I think if we're wondering when RBS will start caring, we're probably wondering a few years too late!

[Speedy]

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Sure, but if I need a new account, a debit card, etc, or if I change my location, need a loan, lose my card, need some financial/banking advice, want to exchange money will the PO help me, can the ATM help me?

Another aspect worthy of consideration is the atrocious level of IT security at banks in general with regard to the obsolete online processes/systems/infrastructure in place - how soon before that system breaks down: what then? Here in Germany most systems are roughly 20 years old and the people capable of servicing/maintaining such "old" systems are retiring or have retired .... is it any different in the UK I wonder?

... you guys still use "cheques"???

You can do that online or on the phone.

Cheque numbers are decreasing, I suspect the demographics using cheques are the ones likely to use branches more.

[Speedy]

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What about the elderly who don't like using ATMs and don't have a post office close by? My grandad never used an ATM, he would always go in to his branch for money every couple of days.

Also what is going to happen with all the staff in these branches which are closing? I'm sure some of them won't want a call centre type job

Out of interest, do you think he'll be willing to pay for it to cover the cost of the service? Let's say a fiver a time.

[oconnors_strip]

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Out of interest, do you think he'll be willing to pay for it to cover the cost of the service? Let's say a fiver a time.

I would ask him but don't think they use banks in heaven.

If he was still alive I'm sure he would happily pay for the service

[Hibs Class]

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Out of interest, do you think he'll be willing to pay for it to cover the cost of the service? Let's say a fiver a time.

The chances are that folk in that position are aleady paying for it through hidden charges

[Speedy]

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I would ask him but don't think they use banks in heaven.

If he was still alive I'm sure he would happily pay for the service

Apologies.

Fair enough, not many would.

[PeeJay]

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You can do that online or on the phone.

Cheque numbers are decreasing, I suspect the demographics using cheques are the ones likely to use branches more.

Fair point, you can do "everything" online, my point was what if you don't want to or can't? And - as I referred to in my post - what about the outdated IT systems and people in charge - and the inherent risk, you don't have an issue with that?

You happy to have financial advice give to you "on the phone" by someone you don't know, can't see?

[Speedy]

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Fair point, you can do "everything" online, my point was what if you don't want to or can't? And - as I referred to in my post - what about the outdated IT systems and people in charge - and the inherent risk, you don't have an issue with that?

You happy to have financial advice give to you "on the phone" by someone you don't know, can't see?

It's a fine balancing act. The public (shareholder) wants it to be making a profit so it can sell its shares but the public (customer) doesn't want to cut loss making services such as branches.

Systems/processes are pretty crap but it costs money to fix them. You can't spend money on everything and a significant amount goes into regulation such as ring fencing and offloading W&G/TSB (for RBS/Lloyds respectively). To invedt in other areas there have to be cutbacks.

If a customer doesn't like the existing service (because of branch location or whatever) then, just like you'd do in any other industy, find someone else to go to.

I sympathise with those who struggle with certain services but they'll be in a minority and coming back to the first point, it's not a charity. When you think about it it's not often you do any of the things you can't do in a post office so the cost:benefit isn't there for the bank or the public.

Strictly speaking banks don't give financial advice but to answer the question, yes I'm fine with that. I'll make a judgement based on their phone manner and/or website whether I trust them or not.

Edit: it's a bit like the recent fuss about Christmas lights in Edinburgh. Money doesn't spread far enough and when it comes down to christmas lights, bin collections, schools etc. a difficult choice needs to be made about what goes.

[snooky]

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It's a fine balancing act. The public (shareholder) wants it to be making a profit so it can sell its shares but the public (customer) doesn't want to cut loss making services such as branches.

Systems/processes are pretty crap but it costs money to fix them. You can't spend money on everything and a significant amount goes into regulation such as ring fencing and offloading W&G/TSB (for RBS/Lloyds respectively). To invedt in other areas there have to be cutbacks.

If a customer doesn't like the existing service (because of branch location or whatever) then, just like you'd do in any other industy, find someone else to go to.

I sympathise with those who struggle with certain services but they'll be in a minority and coming back to the first point, it's not a charity. When you think about it it's not often you do any of the things you can't do in a post office so the cost:benefit isn't there for the bank or the public.

Strictly speaking banks don't give financial advice but to answer the question, yes I'm fine with that. I'll make a judgement based on their phone manner and/or website whether I trust them or not.

Edit: it's a bit like the recent fuss about Christmas lights in Edinburgh. Money doesn't spread far enough and when it comes down to christmas lights, bin collections, schools etc. a difficult choice needs to be made about what goes.

Good advice, Crunch. Thanks.
I've been with RBS for over 50 years. Time to say "stuff them" as that's their apparent latest attitude towards their customers.

[Fuzzywuzzy]

The cost of a transaction in a branch costs something like £4. To make one using digital/online is something like a 1/4 to. 1/5 of that. Very rarely to I go to a branch unless I need to pay a cheque in. Even then, I'll use the automates system

[snooky]

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The cost of a transaction in a branch costs something like £4. To make one using digital/online is something like a 1/4 to. 1/5 of that. Very rarely to I go to a branch unless I need to pay a cheque in. Even then, I'll use the automates system

.... and the cost to RBS for me using another bank will be even less.

[snooky]

Another 30 being earmarked for closure.
From BBC website "An RBS spokesman said many more customers now preferred using mobile and online services over traditional branch counters."
That may be the case and he must be one of them because he obviously doesn't have to stand for up to an hour in a queue at the remaining branches like the average punter.

Here's a list of the RBS branches facing closure.

Anstruther
Banchory
Bishopbriggs
Blantyre
Buckie
Cowdenbeath
Cumnock
Cupar
Dalgety Bay
Denny
Forres
Girvan
Glasgow Alexandra Parade,
Glasgow Anniesland Cross
Glasgow Burnside
Glasgow Crosshill
Glasgow Govan
Grangemouth
Kilsyth
Kirkcaldy Central
Leven
Mauchline
Newton Mearns
Newton Stewart
Prestwick
Stenhousemuir
Stonehaven
Troon
Westhill
Whitburn

[johnbc70]

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Another 30 being earmarked for closure.
From BBC website "An RBS spokesman said many more customers now preferred using mobile and online services over traditional branch counters."
That may be the case and he must be one of them because he obviously doesn't have to stand for up to an hour in a queue at the remaining branches like the average punter.

Here's a list of the RBS branches facing closure.

Anstruther
Banchory
Bishopbriggs
Blantyre
Buckie
Cowdenbeath
Cumnock
Cupar
Dalgety Bay
Denny
Forres
Girvan
Glasgow Alexandra Parade,
Glasgow Anniesland Cross
Glasgow Burnside
Glasgow Crosshill
Glasgow Govan
Grangemouth
Kilsyth
Kirkcaldy Central
Leven
Mauchline
Newton Mearns
Newton Stewart
Prestwick
Stenhousemuir
Stonehaven
Troon
Westhill
Whitburn

Is what you wait in the branch for something that you can only do in an actual branch?

[Just Jimmy]

Leven is my branch. I hardly use it. My dad is raging though.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[snooky]

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Is what you wait in the branch for something that you can only do in an actual branch?

As opposed to doing it online do you mean? If so, I do not want to do any banking online, thank you.
There are far too many horror stories out there. I also like to explain to a real living person what I want to do. I hate 'talking' to a machine that answers my questions & answers with simply more questions.
There are people out there who don't like or trust computers. I'm one of them, as you may have guessed already.

[Colr]

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As opposed to doing it online do you mean? If so, I do not want to do any banking online, thank you.
There are far too many horror stories out there. I also like to explain to a real living person what I want to do. I hate 'talking' to a machine that answers my questions & answers with simply more questions.
There are people out there who don't like or trust computers. I'm one of them, as you may have guessed already.

I suppose its down to consumer choice.

I don't want to pay through my charges, etc.. for someone who needs branches but as long as I can use an online bank then someone else can provide the analogue version for folk who want to pay for it. Easyjet stylee!!

[Speedy]

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As opposed to doing it online do you mean? If so, I do not want to do any banking online, thank you.
There are far too many horror stories out there. I also like to explain to a real living person what I want to do. I hate 'talking' to a machine that answers my questions & answers with simply more questions.
There are people out there who don't like or trust computers. I'm one of them, as you may have guessed already.

Other option is a post office if it's just the basics.

You can pay in/withdraw for example.

[snooky]

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Other option is a post office if it's just the basics.

You can pay in/withdraw for example.

Thanks for the tip.

Analoguists rule, OK!

[beensaidbefore]

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As opposed to doing it online do you mean? If so, I do not want to do any banking online, thank you.
There are far too many horror stories out there. I also like to explain to a real living person what I want to do. I hate 'talking' to a machine that answers my questions & answers with simply more questions.
There are people out there who don't like or trust computers. I'm one of them, as you may have guessed already.

Phone banking is my preferred choice. Speak to a person and avoid online banking without having to visit a branch.

[snooky]

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Phone banking is my preferred choice. Speak to a person and avoid online banking without having to visit a branch.

Each to his own, I guess.

[beensaidbefore]

Embrace the 21st century man, you will be OK, honest. 😂

[Scouse Hibee]

I do online banking but equally there are things I like to go into a branch for.

[snooky]

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Embrace the 21st century man, you will be OK, honest. 😂

Vynil is back in vogue

[greenlex]

Don't understand anyone not doing online banking to be honest. Particularly on savy enough to use Hibs.net.

[Scouse Hibee]

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Don't understand anyone not doing online banking to be honest. Particularly on savy enough to use Hibs.net.

Probably the same reason people still shop on the high street or go to a supermarket rather than sit at a PC and order everything online.

[Sir David Gray]

Three of these are local to me, Stenhousemuir, Denny and Grangemouth.

Very sad and a sign of the times unfortunately.

[greenlex]

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Probably the same reason people still shop on the high street or go to a supermarket rather than sit at a PC and order everything online.

Don't follow. Banking is a service rather than something you can see, touch and try. There is no comparison other than the social side of it.

[Scouse Hibee]

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Don't follow. Banking is a service rather than something you can see, touch and try. There is no comparison other than the social side of it.

There is social interaction and a personal feeling of being able to speak to a human being. Also folk like to wander along their local high street and do their messages and do errands. I totally get it. I have the facility to do online banking but if I have the time I will always go to a branch. The same with supermarket shopping, I don't try any of our weekly shop in the shop and pretty much I know exactly what we want and what brands we buy but would never dream of doing it online.