A major high street bank has made a huge change to 32 of its stores due to "increased demand" for services. Metro Bank has announced that it will extend its Saturday opening hours from February 1 at nearly half of its UK branches. The chosen bank branches will open from 9.30am until 4pm, compared to the 11am until 4pm hours before. All other Metro Bank stores will remain open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 5pm.
The move means Metro Bank will offer the longest Saturday store opening hours of any major UK high street bank. Metro Bank has 75 stores across England and Wales and will open new stores in Chester and Gateshead before June 2025. Metro Bank says the chosen branches all saw increased demand for longer Saturday services through ongoing customer reviews.
Kerry Reynolds, director of retail and business banking at Metro Bank, said: “Customers wanted more time on Saturday mornings and we have listened and responded. We have extended when we are open for our customers’ convenience and benefit giving them more time to meet and talk through any of their banking needs face to face with one of our colleagues. Personal and business customers can still bank with us outside these hours in the Metro Bank app, online banking and our telephone service.”.
Recently, Metro Bank announced a major brand shake-up under the title "This is Relationship Banking" ahead of its 15th anniversary this year. The campaign aims to spotlight its "human approach" and commitment to customer service. The shake-up also aims to help with its growth strategy as the bank hopes to attract new customers in "key" growth areas, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), corporates, and commercial and specialist mortgages.
