Internet outage compensation rights explained as banking apps go down

If you're trying to work, pay your bills, or do anything that requires use of the internet this morning, there's a good chance you'll be impacted by the current outage.

An issue with Amazon Web Services' platform has left thousands of websites out of service, including sites like HMRC, Vodafone, Snapchat, Roblox and Ring to name a few.

People all over the world have been impacted by the widespread outage, including a number of people who are trying to sort out their finances.

Among the big sites experiencing problems due to the AWS blackout, are several UK banks, with users from Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Bank and Halifax reporting issues on Downdetector.

If you are a customer at one of these banks, who has been unable to use their services to carry out essential tasks like paying bills on a certain deadline, you might be wondering whether you're entitled to any compensation.

Several banking apps are affected by the AWS outage (Getty Stock Images)

Banking service compensation rights

Banks in the UK are under no obligation to automatically pay any compensation for their services going down for a short period.

The system for banking companies differs from that of the telecoms industry, where compensation is due for loss of services like broadband. However, if you experience any financial implications due to the online banking and app being down, you should be able to get your money back.

For example, anyone unable to make payments during the outage should be able to contact their bank and request compensation.

If it is a credit agreement, you should contact the company with which you have the credit to explain the situation, so there is no mark against your file.

If you can't get the strike removed from your credit score, keep a record of it for any future credit agreements you might have to take out, such as a mortgage.

And, if you do have any lasting negative repercussions, you can complain to the free Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

People all over the world have been affected (Amazon Web Services)

Amazon Web Services down

These banking apps are among thousands of websites affected by issues with Amazon Web Services, which provides infrastructure for much of the modern internet we use everyday, allowing companies to hire computers and servers to run their websites and apps.

According to its service status page, the company was experiencing 'increased error rates' and delays with 'multiple AWS services,' with problems first becoming apparent around 8am UK time.

LADbible has reached out to Amazon Web Services for comment.