Nationwide Building Society has revealed that it is now the only bank or building society branch remaining in 133 communities across the UK, prompting warnings from financial inclusion experts about the serious consequences for local residents.
The Last Banking Lifeline
While Nationwide has made a significant commitment to keep all its existing 605 branches open until at least 2030, fresh data highlights a growing problem on Britain's high streets. The mutual has identified 133 locations where its branches now stand alone as the final physical banking presence.
This includes busy towns such as Leatherhead, Hertford, and Rickmansworth, where residents who prefer or rely on face-to-face banking services have nowhere else to turn. The announcement comes amid a continued decline in in-person banking services across the country.
Community Impact Beyond Banking
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, has issued a stark warning about what happens when the last bank branch disappears from a community. She emphasised that the impact extends far beyond simple financial transactions.
"Where local branches close, it isn't just a financial loss but a social one," Anderson stated. "When the last branch closes, a community loses far more than a counter service, but lose access, confidence and a sense of financial and social independence."
She highlighted that for many people, particularly those less confident with digital services, a physical branch provides crucial access to advice and support. "When only one option remains, the risk of exclusion rises," Anderson cautioned, pointing to the vulnerability of those who depend on personal interaction to manage their money.
Alternative Solutions and Their Limitations
As traditional bank branches continue to disappear, banking hubs run by the Post Office have emerged as a potential solution. These shared facilities allow customers from multiple banks to access over-the-counter services and receive staff support with their finances.
Post Office branches themselves also offer basic banking services, including cash deposits and withdrawals. However, Anderson warned that many people remain uncertain about using these shared facilities.
"People need to see these services as a continuation of their local bank, not a compromise," she explained. "Clear communication, local outreach and digital skills support are needed" to ensure customers feel confident using alternative options.
Meanwhile, some smaller providers are bucking the trend. Nottingham Building Society actually opened a new branch in Nottingham city centre this summer, demonstrating that physical banking still has its advocates.
Sally Gaudion, Chief Customer Officer at Nottingham Building Society, defended the importance of branches: "Face to face banking services remain essential, even as digital services dominate. While many customers manage transactions online, branches continue to play a crucial role for complex queries, savings guidance, and personal support."
She pointed to the reduction of bank branches nationally as creating significant risks. "Closures can contribute to financial exclusion and leave communities under-served," Gaudion noted, adding that while banking hubs help, many customers still prefer dedicated spaces to discuss their finances.
Nationwide's Commitment with Caveats
Nationwide's group chief executive Debbie Crosbie has reaffirmed the society's commitment to branch banking: "Our customers can be confident that they can bank with us whichever way they choose. Branches are important to our customers, to communities, and to the health of our high streets."
However, the building society's website carries an important warning that branch closures could still occur in "extraordinary circumstances" beyond their control, or if relocation within the same town becomes necessary. The society states it would only consider such moves when "there's no other workable option."
The full list of 133 locations where Nationwide remains the sole banking branch as of November 12, 2025 includes: Addlestone, Allenton, Amesbury, Atherstone, Attleborough, Battle, Beaconsfield, Beccles, Beckenham, Biggleswade, Birchington, Birstall, Bletchley, Blyth, Brighton (London Rd), Broadstairs, Broadstone, Bromborough, Burnham-on-Sea, Canvey Island, Chard, Chingford, Codsall, Cranbrook, Cranleigh, Crewkerne, Cupar, Dagenham, Dovercourt, Easingwold, Egham, Eltham, Fakenham, Farnham, Faversham, Felixstowe, Feltham, Finchfield, Fordingbridge, Frinton-on-Sea, Frodsham, Gillingham, Glastonbury, Great Dunmow, Hailsham, Heanor, Helmsley, Henley-on-Thames, Hertford, Holbeach, Horley, Hunstanton, Hythe, Ilfracombe, Irthlingborough, Knutsford, Leatherhead, Leigh on Sea, Letchworth, Leven, Longfield, March, Marlborough, Marlow, Matlock, Mickleover, Middlewich, Midhurst, Milford Haven, Morden, New Alresford, New Malden, New Milton, Newport Pagnell, Newquay, North Hayes, Northampton (Duston), Northampton (Kingsthorpe), Northampton (N'ton Admin Centre), Northwood, Olney, Paddock Wood, Parkstone, Peacehaven, Penkridge, Pinner, Pitreavie, Pocklington, Potters Bar, Princes Risborough, Purley, Rainham, Ramsey, Redruth, Rickmansworth, Ripley, Rugeley, Runcorn, Rye, Sandbach, Sandwich, Sawbridgeworth, Shanklin, Sheerness, Shepherd's Bush, Sheringham, Shirley, South Woodford, St Leonards-on-Sea, Stanmore, Stony Stratford, Stretford, Swindon Croft, Thame, Thetford, Torrington, Towcester, Twickenham, Upminster, Upton Park, Wallingford, Warminster, West Malling, West Wickham, Westerham, Whitstable, Whittlesey, Wickford, Wimborne, Windsor, Winsford, Witham, and Worcester Park.
