Nationwide has confirmed that all 696 of its branches will remain open until at least 2030, making it the UK's largest branch network as rivals continue to close their doors. The mutual, which includes 605 Nationwide and 91 Virgin Money branches, became the biggest group branch network on 4 June.
The commitment comes amid a wave of bank closures across the country, with more than 80 branches expected to shut in June alone and over 240 set to close by the end of the year. Nationwide's pledge, first announced in November, covers all locations, including where Nationwide and Virgin Money branches are in close proximity.
Data from Nationwide shows continued demand for in-person banking, with the building society supporting 6.7 million unique branch users last year. It was responsible for 57% of all UK branch-based product openings, while branch current account sales rose by 21%.
Mandy Beech, Nationwide's Director of Retail Services, said: 'As banks continue to close their doors and step back from the high street, Nationwide will become the UK's largest group branch network. This is a major milestone for us and reflects our belief in the value of in-person banking and the reassurance it offers our members and the communities we support.'
Nationwide continues to invest in both its branches and digital services as part of offering customers choice in how they bank, whether in branch, online, or over the phone.
