
Halifax mobile app review
Halifax's mobile banking app offers a straightforward solution for Halifax customers wanting to manage their money, set up payments, get cashback and stay secure all in one app.
A reputable high street bank, Halifax was the most switched-to bank in 2017. Its range of current, savings and reward accounts attract around 200,000 customers a year. However, in the digital sphere, Halifax is less of a major player. Its mobile banking app is certainly worth a look if you want a no-nonsense way to manage your funds wherever you are, especially if you bank with Halifax already.
What is Halifax’s mobile banking app?
Designed for existing Halifax customers, Halifax’s mobile banking app is an easy way to manage your money on the go. It’s available on the app store and on Google Play.
How does Halifax’s app work?
Once you’ve downloaded and installed the app, all you need to do is enter your details and confirm the security code, which will be sent to you by Halifax. Halifax is keen to emphasise that its app has “extra security technology”. You can use your fingerprint to sign in on compatible iPhone and Android devices, set the amount of time the app will wait before timing out and uses encryption to keep your banking and personal details safe. Other features include the following:
- Maps function: you can see the location where each of your transactions took place on a map
- Option to freeze your card if you lose it
- Option to change your personal details, such as your address
- View pending transactions
- Make payments on the go
How do I apply for a current or savings account with Halifax?
The easiest way to apply to open a new account with Halifax is online. It offers a range of current accounts, as well as savings accounts, all of which can be viewed and applied for via Halifax’s website. You can also switch an existing account to Halifax using its current account switch service – this will only take seven working days and your old account will be closed for you by Halifax.
Saving with the Halifax app
Halifax’s app offers users the option to view a running total of their transactions, so it’s really easy to view the effect payments are having on your bank balance. This budgeting feature makes it a good alternative to other bank’s apps, such as Santander and TSB, which don’t have a similar functionality.
Halifax fees and limits
- As with most banks, if you take out an overdraft with Halifax, then you may incur fees and charges.
- You may also incur fees for international transfers and non-sterling transactions.
Is Halifax safe?
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is an independent statutory fund set up to safeguard consumer finances in the event of a bank being unable to meet its payment demands. Halifax has full FSCS protection, which provides compensation for the loss of up to £85,000 – as is the standard for UK bank accounts.
Pros and cons of the Halifax app
Pros
- Full access to current and savings accounts – can receive salary, make direct debit payments and bank transfers.
- Instant notifications for transactions mean you no longer have to wait like you do with normal banks.
- Quick and easy to log in to your account.
- Running total function allows you to track your spending accurately and to have greater control over your funds.
- Widespread network of branches, so you can go in-store if you need a helping hand.
Cons
- The app, specifically the Android version, has been known to crash when doing simple tasks.
- Payments made in non-sterling currencies will incur the Non-Sterling Transaction Fee.
- While the heightened security Halifax has put into its app is a good thing, it does slow the user down.
Our verdict
One of the Halifax app’s main selling points is its emphasis on security. While this is undoubtedly a good thing, it can sometimes mean that the app runs a little slowly, compared to competitors’ account management apps.
Despite this, the app offers a range of impressive features, including the option to freeze your card if it’s misplaced or stolen, and a maps feature which shows users where they spent their money.
The Halifax app is a strong, no-nonsense tool for the bank’s customers to manage their accounts on the go.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
Santander Everyday current account review
Learn more about the Santander Everyday current account to see if it’s right for you.
-
Santander 123 Lite current account review
Find out more about the Santander 123 Lite current account and its pros and cons.
-
Santander 123 current account review
Learn more about the Santander 123 current account to see if it’s right for you.
-
Best bank account switching offers in the UK for May 2022
We look at switching bonuses, what they are, how they work and which banks offer the best ones. If you’re fed up with your current bank, you could switch accounts and get a nice little cash bonus as an extra perk.
-
Can you have more than one current account?
Discover more about the rules on holding multiple current accounts.
-
Santander Select current account review
Learn more about the Santander Select current account to see if it’s right for you.
-
Virgin Money M Plus current account review
Discover what the Virgin Money M Plus current account has to offer in our review.
-
Halifax Reward current account review
Discover what the Halifax Reward current account has to offer to see if it’s right for you.
-
Yorkshire Bank Private Current Account review
Learn about private banking with Yorkshire Bank to see if it’s right for you.
-
Club Lloyds current account review
Discover what the Club Lloyds current account has to offer in our review.
Ask an Expert