Barclays is DOWN: Banking app and online banking crashes - leaving thousands of frustrated Brits without access on payday
It's one of the most popular banking apps across the UK, but it appears that Barclays has gone down.
According to Down Detector, the problems started at around 10:30 BST, and are affecting users across the UK.
Both mobile banking and online banking are having problems, says Down Detector, which gets status updates from social media and reports to its website.
Many users took to X (Twitter) to complain, with some pointing out that the outage coincides with payday.
Unfortunately for customers, the deadline for Self Assessment tax returns is also today (January 31).
One said: '@BarclaysUKHelp your app (on payday for most) is not letting people pay bills, how long until it’s back up and running, many thanks.'
Another posted: 'Wow @BarclaysUKHelp , @BarclaysUK - having your payment system fall over on Self Assessment deadline day. Not good.'
Barclays confirmed the issues on X: 'We’re having some problems with our systems today and you may have trouble using some features in our app, Online Banking as well as payments in and out of your accounts.'
It's one of the most popular banking apps across the UK, but it appears that Barclays has gone down on Friday
According to Down Detector, the problems started at around 10:30 BST, and are affecting users across the UK
Barclays also apologized to customers, saying it is 'working to fix these problems', adding that people can use their cards and cash machines as normal.
One person replied: 'Final straw for me this, I'll be moving my business' account elsewhere. Can't pay wages etc...'
Someone else said: 'Why did it take you so long to admit to this issue. Thirty years since I joined Barclays. I am thinking of leaving for good.'
Yet another posted: 'Absolute joke. I’m so sick of Barclays. I’ve been with you for about 20 years and seriously thinking of switching banks! Can’t even get onto the status checker!'
Of those who reported problems to Down Detector, 54 per cent had issues with mobile banking, 38 per cent with online banking and 7 per cent with bill pay.
There were just over 1,200 reports just after midday, up from a previous peak of 1,750 around 11 am.
According to Down Detector, the outage reports are spread all across the country with the largest numbers coming from London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
It's unclear what the cause of the outage is; MailOnline has contacted Barclays for more information.
On X, formerly Twitter, Barclays customers threatened to leave the bank for good over the outage
Many customers complained that a lack of communication about the issue was causing significant worries
The timing of the outage is particularly poor since today is the deadline for HMRC Self Assessment tax returns, a point noted by many angry customers
One commenter said that they were 'seriously thinking of switching banks' after being with Barclays for 20 years
In a statement, Barclays says: 'You may have trouble using some features in our app, Online Banking as well as payments in and out of your accounts - we're also unable to help you over the telephone or our Message us service.
'You can still use your cards and cash machines as normal.'
A Barclays spokesperson also told MailOnline: ' We're aware that some of our customers are experiencing technical issues using some features in our app, online banking and with payments in and out of their accounts.
'We’re sorry for this and are working hard to fix the problem. As soon as it’s resolved, we’ll let our customers know.'
Barclays' online banking services are used by more than 10 million people around the UK and approximately one third of customers only use mobile services to manage their finances.
According to Barclays' system monitor page, the bank is experiencing issues with the Barclays app, branches, Message us service, online banking, payments and transfers, and telephone banking.
The page also notes that there is no planned maintenance which could be causing the disruption.
Unlike telecom companies, banks aren't required to reimburse you when there has been a drop in services.
Barclays also apologized to customers, saying it is 'working to fix these problems', adding that people can use their cards and cash machines as normal
However, if you have incurred any costs as a direct result of the outage you might be able to get your money back.
For example, if you were unable to pay your bills or file your Self Assessment Tax return you might be able to claim back any fines you receive.
If you do encounter issues it's worth keeping a careful record of what happens including any representative from the bank you speak to.
You should then be able to make a formal complaint via the Barclays website.
If you're unhappy with how the bank handles your case you can choose to escalate the issue to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
This independent body will consider the evidence you prevent and make a decision regarding your claim.
If you do lose any money due to this outage the Ombudsman could intervene on your behalf to force the bank to pay you back.
However, there is no guarantee of getting back any money you lose.
