Update: things are back to normal - Lloyds will gladly accept your deposits again:

Lloyds Banking Group says problems affecting cash machines and debit cards have been resolved — Sky News Newsdesk (@SkyNewsBreak) January 26, 2014

First HSBC bungles up an attempt at pseudo-capital controls by explaining that large cash withdrawals need a justification, and are limited in order "to protect our customers" (from what - their money?), which will likely result in even faster deposit withdrawals, and now another major UK bank - Lloyds/TSB - has admitted it are experiencing cash separation anxiety manifesting itself in ATMs failing to work and a difficult in paying using debit cards. Sky reports that customers of Lloyds and TSB, as well as those with Halifax, have reported difficulties paying for goods in shops and getting money out of ATMs.



All three banks are under the Lloyds Banking Group which said: "We are aware that some customers are unable to use their debit cards either to make purchases or to withdraw money from ATMs. "We are working hard to resolve this as swiftly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Further from SkyNews, TSB, which operates as a separate business within the group, issued a statement saying: "We are aware that some TSB customers are unable to use their debit cards either to make purchases or to withdraw money from ATMs. "This has impacted all Lloyds Banking Group brands. We are working hard to resolve this and unreservedly apologise for any inconvenience caused."



TSB chief executive Paul Pester said in a tweet: "My apologies to TSB customers having problems with their cards. I'm working hard with my team now to try to fix the problems."



Clients were not happy:

On the microblogging site, one TSB customer Nicky Kate said: "Really embarrassed to get my card declined while out shopping, never had any problems with lloyds then they changed my account." Hannah Smith: "I am a TSB customer with a Lloyds card still (like everyone else). And I've been embarrassed three times today re: card declined." Another customer Julia Abbott ‏said: "Lloyds bank atm and card service down. 20 mins on hold to be told this. Nothing even on website. Shoddy lloyds. ... shoddy." Helen Needham ‏said: "#lloyds bank having problems with there card service... Can't pay for anything or get money out!" Another Twitter user wrote: "This problem is also affecting Halifax debit cards as I found out trying to pay for lunch with my wife!" And Jane Lucy Jones tweeted Halifax, saying: "Why can't I get any money out of any cashpoints, what is going on?

What is going on is known as a "glitch" for now, and perhaps as "preemptive planning" depending on who you ask. Sure, in a few months in may be called a bail-in (see Cyprus), but we will cross that bridge when we get to it.