In a significant move for the UK's high streets, Nationwide Building Society has made a firm commitment to keep its entire network of branches open for the rest of the decade.
A Bold Commitment Against the Trend
The Society has announced an extension of its ‘branch promise,’ guaranteeing that all 696 Nationwide and Virgin Money branches will remain operational until at least 2030. This new pledge, confirmed on Wednesday 12 November 2025, extends the existing promise by a minimum of two years.
This decision stands in stark contrast to the widespread closure of bank branches seen across the country, where services are increasingly being consolidated into shared banking hubs or Post Office counters. Crucially, Nationwide has stated that its promise holds firm even in locations where a Nationwide branch and a Virgin Money branch are in close proximity, a situation arising from its acquisition of Virgin Money last year.
Why Branches Still Matter
Nationwide is defending its position by highlighting the continued importance of physical branches for a diverse range of customers. While acknowledging that vulnerable and older customers often rely on face-to-face support, the building society revealed compelling data about broader usage.
It reported that more than one in 10 of its new student accounts were opened in a branch during the new academic year, demonstrating their relevance to younger demographics. Furthermore, the society has observed a particular increase in account openings in locations where it is the “last branch in town,” with 33 additional Nationwide branches falling into this category since January as rival banks have retreated.
Dame Debbie Crosbie, Nationwide's Group Chief Executive, emphasised the societal role of branches, stating: “Branches are important to our customers, to communities and to the health of our high streets. That’s why Nationwide will continue to keep branches open in addition to our investment in online and telephone channels.”
By the Numbers: A Growing Physical Network
Nationwide now operates what it calls the UK’s biggest single-brand banking network, with 605 of its own branches. The integration of Virgin Money’s 91 branches brings the combined total to 696 physical locations.
The data underscores a sustained demand for in-person services. In the six months to the end of September, a significant 33% of Nationwide current accounts and 22% of savings accounts were opened in a branch, with volumes increasing compared to the previous year.
Originally introduced in 2019, the branch promise was first extended last year to include the Virgin Money network following the completion of the acquisition in October 2024. Beyond traditional banking, Nationwide branches also serve as community hubs, hosting Dementia UK clinics, providing digital lessons to boost tech confidence, and offering “safe spaces” for victim-survivors of domestic abuse.
