NatWest and Halifax have announced the closure of 39 bank branches in September, impacting their customers. Among these closures, NatWest will shut down 26 branches, while Halifax will close 13 branches. The trend of branch closures by high street banks is attributed to the increasing preference for online banking services, raising concerns from charities about potential accessibility issues for vulnerable individuals.
Since January 2015, banks and building societies have collectively closed 6,443 branches, averaging 53 closures per month according to data from Which?. The organization reports that 432 bank closures are planned for 2025, with NatWest, Halifax, Santander, Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, TSB, and Barclays all included in the list.
Looking ahead to 2026, 22 bank branches are scheduled for closure, with Lloyds leading with 14 closures, followed by Halifax and Bank of Scotland each with four closures. In case of branch closures, customers can still access basic cash or counter services at nearby Post Offices. Some banks also offer mobile branches, but customers are advised to check online for schedules.
NatWest emphasized that a significant percentage of their customers now prefer digital banking for routine transactions, while still valuing in-person interactions for more complex financial decisions. Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Halifax, highlighted the availability of digital apps and a wide range of banking options for customers, including access to branches and Post Offices.
As the banking industry adapts to the digital shift, institutions like NatWest and Halifax are focusing on enhancing self-service capabilities for customers while providing personalized support for more intricate financial needs.