HSBC has installed free wifi in branches around the UK to help its customers get online while they bank.

The hotspots, powered by BT Wi-Fi, are initially available in over 650 HSBC branches throughout the UK. Customers will be able to use any smartphone or tablet to download their mobile banking app or browse the web while in the branch.

Research by BT and Avaya recently revealed that 49% of UK banking customers felt that free wifi would “greatly improve” their in-branch experience. Customers will now be able to test out the HSBC app before they download it themselves and will be guided through the features by staff.

Carl Howard, head of digital for HSBC in the UK, said: “We’ve been listening to our customers about how we can make banking easier for them, and they tell us they like the idea of mobile banking, but in some cases would value being shown how it works.

“Our branch staff can now demo our Mobile Banking app in branch to get people started, as well as demonstrating new features such as the new mobile payment service Paym1 which allows customers to pay their contacts using just a mobile number.”

HSBC recently announced it had seen over £2bn of payments and transfers made on its mobile banking app, as well as over one million log ons each week.