HSBC customers will soon be able to access their accounts through the Post Office network.

From spring 2013, the bank’s nine million customers will be able to make withdrawals, deposits and check balances at all 11,500 Post Office branches. First Direct customers will also be able to access their accounts through the network.

Previously HSBC had been resistant to offering its services through the network, claiming lack of interest, but it changed its policy to meet growing customer demand.

Brian Robertson, chief executive of HSBC Bank, said: “We recognise that our customers like to bank in a variety of different ways. This new partnership allows us to provide them with an additional opportunity to access their HSBC bank accounts at Post Office counters.”

Paula Vennells, chief executive of the Post Office, said:  “We are delighted to be providing nine million HSBC customers with access to their current accounts through the largest retail network in the UK.  This new partnership comes as the Post Office embarks on the biggest network investment in its history to both maintain and modernise its unrivalled estate.  This agreement means that 95% of all UK debit cardholders will have access to their money at Post Office counters.”

Santander is now the only high street bank not to offer access through the network.