High streets across the UK are set to become even more desolate this year as dozens of bank branches close their doors for good. In November alone, multiple branches are shutting as customers increasingly turn to online and mobile banking. Consumer watchdog Which? reports that 6,522 bank branches have closed since January 2015, averaging around 53 per month.
The trend is particularly concerning for older or disabled customers and small business owners who rely on local branches. Rural areas are hit hardest, often suffering from poor broadband or mobile signal, making internet banking difficult. According to Finder UK, 88% of British adults now use online or remote banking, equating to around 48 million people.
In 2025, two in five Brits have a digital-only bank account, with 57% either having or planning to open one, attracted by higher interest rates. Sam Richardson, deputy editor at Which?, said: 'The milestone of more than 6,000 bank closures in just nine years underscores the seismic shift that has taken place in terms of our banking habits and the character of the British high street.'
Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland are also reducing opening hours at many branches from September 25, opening at 9:30am instead of 9am and closing between 3:30pm and 4:30pm. Most will also open at 10am on Wednesdays. However, HSBC has pledged no closures until at least 2026, and Nationwide has promised no closures until at least 2028, stating: 'We know that our customers still value speaking face-to-face, that’s why we have the UK’s biggest branch network.'
Metro Bank and Barclays have confirmed no closures this year. NatWest has closed or will close at least 53 branches in 2025, with some remaining open until a banking hub is established. Santander has closed dozens over the summer, with 19 more set to shut, citing increased use of mobile and online banking. A Santander spokesperson said: 'Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact.'
