Nationwide has confirmed that all 696 of its branches, including 91 Virgin Money sites acquired in 2024, will remain open on UK high streets until at least the start of 2030. The pledge comes as 432 bank branches from other providers closed across the UK in just one year, according to analysis from Which?.
The building society said many vulnerable and older customers rely on face-to-face support, but noted that younger people also use branches, with more than one in ten new student accounts opened in branch this academic year. Since January 2025, another 33 Nationwide branches have become the last in town as rivals shut their doors.
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.”
Nationwide reported that a third of its current accounts and about a fifth of savings accounts were opened in branch in the six months to September 2025, with volumes up year-on-year. The society also uses branches to host dementia clinics, digital lessons, and safe spaces for domestic abuse victims.
The commitment applies to both Nationwide and Virgin Money branches, even where they are located close to each other. As of June 4, Nationwide has more branches on the high street than any other banking provider, with 696 total locations.
