Santander and NatWest to begin branch closures on Monday | UK | News
Santander and NatWest will close a total of 17 personal branches next week, cutting off access to thousands of customers. Brick and mortar banks and building societies have rapidly disappeared from the UK’s high streets over the past few years. While banking firms have attributed the trend to increased online banking and a decline in branch usage, it has also sparked a backlash that older and vulnerable Brits are being disadvantaged.
Despite ongoing opposition, bank closures will occur across the country from 11 May as banking giants Santander and NatWest continue to pivot primarily to digital services. Santander announced in January that 44 of its branches would soon close; the majority have already closed, and the remaining 15 are scheduled to be axed this month, with 10 between May 11 and May 13.
Meanwhile, NatWest will close 15 branches across the UK by the end of May, with seven branches scheduled to close next week, according to The Mirror.
Both firms have assured customers that the majority of affected branches will be replaced by banking centers and will continue to provide personal services for those who choose them.
A spokesperson for NatWest said: “Banking has changed significantly in recent years. There is greater demand for mobile and online services that allow you to benefit from a faster and easier way to bank.”
A Santander representative added: “In response to an ongoing and major shift towards customers using digital banking, we are making changes to our branches to better support our customers. We will continue to invest in both our branch network of full-service branches, walk-in branches, reduced hours branches, Santander Locals and our increasingly popular Work Cafés, as well as our digital banking services, so we can be there to support our customers wherever they choose to bank with us.”
