Readers have warned me of a worrying new trend when they go to open a savings account in their bank branch.

They are being told they need to bring along their own tablet or mobile phone. Simply going to the counter with your application form, ID documents and National Insurance number (if opening an Isa) is no longer enough.

I know that it suits banks when we move online; it cuts their costs and maximises profits.

But I find it deeply concerning when banks insist on customers going online when they have chosen to visit a branch because they prefer managing their money in person.

This is unfair on savers who prefer an old-style branch-based account.

Some worry, quite rightly, that if they open an account online, they could become victims of a scam and lose their life savings.

Indeed, UK Finance’s latest Annual Fraud Report shows that criminals stole nearly £1.3billion last year.

Some readers have told me they needed a smartphone or tablet when they went to a branch of

Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland to open its competitive one-year fixed-rate Isa at 4.55 per cent – even though the banks clearly stated you could open it online or in a branch, by phone or through its app. 

The account launched on May 19 and shot to the top of the best buy tables for branch-based accounts, knocking Nationwide (which still offers old-style account openings in branch) at 4.5 per cent off the top spot.

Reader Howard Bond told me: ‘I went to Lloyds in Chelmsford, Essex, and was told that the one-year fixed-rate cash Isa cannot be opened in branch and must be applied for either online or through its app.’

Helen Sinclair tried to open an account in a Halifax branch in Liverpool but was told she could only do it online.

When I asked Lloyds what was going on, a spokesman told me: ‘We’ve updated

guidance on our website over the last couple of days to provide clear information on how customers can open a savings account with us. We apologise if your readers were not given this additional support in branch.’

Lloyds Banking Group (of which Halifax is a part) says that if you are an existing customer, you can take in your ID (and NI number if you want to open an Isa) to the branch and open one over the counter.

But for new customers, it says: ‘They will need to open the account via our digital process using their own device. 

'Our colleagues will be on hand in branch (and over the phone) to help guide them through the process should they need any additional support.’

Lloyds revealed last week it is closing 31 Lloyds branches and 48 Halifax ones – that’s on top of 95 branch closures announced in February.

I’m sure it will say the appetite for bank branches is diminishing. No wonder when it doesn’t allow new customers to open a savings account in person without bringing their own device.

NatWest has had similar rules for years. You can open its fixed rate Isa in its mobile app, online or (for existing customers only) by phone or in a branch.

But to open it in a branch, it adds: ‘Bring your own digital device, such as a mobile or tablet. Our staff will then help you to open the account yourself.’

If you want a branch-based one-year cash Isa with one of the big building societies which you can open over the counter, go for Nationwide (4.5 per cent), Yorkshire BS (4.4 per cent) Principality (4.35 per cent) or Leeds (4.3 per cent).

Also check out local building societies – Leek pays 4.4 per cent, Furness, Nottingham and Suffolk 4.35 per cent, with Loughborough, Newbury and The Melton at 4.3 per cent.