In a UK first, Lloyds Bank has rolled out an online system that lets customers book branch appointments in real-time.
Customers can pick a branch and appointment time - from the following day to up to three weeks in the future - online or through their mobile phone. Users can also amend appointments through the service and receive SMS and email reminders.
Lloyds says the service is part of its multi-channel approach, tapping digital tools to enhance, rather than simply replace, face-to-face banking. Like its rivals, the bank is looking to refocus its branches away from basic transactions and onto more complex services.
Earlier this year the British Bankers Association said that branch networks will get smaller but that "high street outlets will remain important for those bigger moments, such as when a customer takes out a mortgage, wants to assess their financial options or resolve a complaint."
Adrian Bryant, digital director, Lloyds Bank, says: "The new online appointment booking system will give customers convenient access to our branches. There are some things that some people just prefer to do face to face. So we're using technology to improve that process for everyone while recognising people's varying needs.