Nationwide has reaffirmed its commitment to keep all 696 of its branches open on UK high streets until at least the start of 2030. This includes 605 Nationwide branches and 91 Virgin Money branches acquired in 2024. The pledge comes amid a wave of bank closures across the country, with 432 branches from rival providers shutting in the past year alone.
The building society highlighted that many vulnerable and older customers rely on face-to-face support, but also noted that younger people use branches too, with more than one in ten new student accounts opened in branch this academic year. Nationwide now has the largest branch network of any UK banking provider, with 696 locations as of June 4.
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.” She added that usage is rising, and the society is proud to stand by its commitment to keep every branch open until 2030.
Nationwide reported a rise in account openings in locations where it is the “last branch in town”. Since January 2025, 33 more branches have become the last in their town after other banks closed. In the six months to September 2025, a third of current accounts and a fifth of savings accounts were opened in branch, with volumes up year-on-year.
The branches also host dementia clinics, digital lessons, and safe spaces for domestic abuse survivors. The pledge follows analysis from Which? showing 432 bank closures in 2025, including 105 NatWest, 101 Halifax, 95 Santander, 93 Lloyds, 24 Bank of Scotland, eight TSB, and six Barclays branches. So far this year, 71 more closures have been scheduled.
