Halifax cash‑withdrawal limits and Westpac home‑loan rate increase

Halifax announced that customers can withdraw cash above the £300 ATM limit at any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, provided they present their Chip‑and‑PIN card and, for withdrawals over £5,000, photo identification. The bank noted that availability may be limited for larger amounts and that additional documentation could be requested to prevent fraud. As part of a wider service change, Halifax customers will be migrated to the Lloyds Bank app and online banking in stages over coming months.

In New Zealand, Westpac became the first bank to raise its fixed‑rate home‑loan prices in the current cycle, increasing rates by six to 26 basis points across one‑ to three‑year terms, putting them above rival offers. The bank also lifted its 18‑month term‑deposit rate to 4.20% and its three‑year rate to 4.40%, while keeping shorter‑term deposit rates unchanged. Westpac cited rising wholesale interest rates driven by geopolitical risks and expects other local lenders to follow suit.