NatWest Announces Closure of 37 Branches Amid Digital Banking Surge
NatWest has revealed plans to close 37 branches across the UK, with 34 confirmed to shut their doors by 2027, as customers increasingly switch to online and mobile banking services. The majority of these closures are scheduled before the end of June 2026, with three additional branches awaiting final dates pending the establishment of banking hubs.
Shift to Digital Services Drives Decision
In a statement on its website, NatWest explained that the closures reflect a dramatic change in banking habits, with growing demand for faster and easier digital options. The bank emphasised its commitment to supporting customers through the transition, providing detailed closure guides and alternative banking methods.
"Banking has changed dramatically in recent years," NatWest said. "There's more demand for mobile and online services, allowing you to benefit from a faster and easier way to bank. We understand the closure of your local branch will bring some changes, and we want to make sure you are fully informed and supported every step of the way."
Banking Hubs to Mitigate Impact
To minimise disruption, many of the closing branches will be replaced by banking hubs operated by the Post Office, offering limited face-to-face services. NatWest has invested £115 million in its branch network since 2020 and plans to continue financial backing over the next three years, focusing on these hubs.
However, this move follows hundreds of branch closures since 2022, including over 100 last year alone. A NatWest spokesperson previously stated: "We carefully assess where and when we make the difficult decision to close a branch to minimise the impact any change may have on our customers and colleagues."
Barclays Reverses Closure Strategy
In a contrasting development, Barclays has signalled a major u-turn on its branch closure strategy. Since 2018, more than 800 Barclays branches have closed, leaving only 206 operational across the UK, according to its latest annual report.
However, Vim Maru, chief executive officer at Barclays UK, told The Times that closures have been halted, with plans to expand the network again. "What we're trying to do is something that allows us to differentiate in front of our customers," Maru said. "Of course we're going to be great in digital – but we're going to be there for you when you need some help and support. You're not going to be stuck in some chatbot trying to get out of the loop and trying to speak to someone."
Full List of NatWest Branch Closures
Below is the confirmed list of NatWest branches closing, with dates provided for most locations:
- May 2026: Ashford (Middlesex): 12/5/2026, Barnet: 11/5/2026, Brentwood: 13/5/2026, Cheetham Hill: 12/5/2026, Chorlton-cum-Hardy: 20/5/2026, Eastcote: 11/5/2026, Harlow: 21/5/2026, Hartlepool: 14/5/2026, Hornchurch: 21/5/2026, Hove: 19/5/2026, Loughton: 18/5/2026, Orpington: 27/5/2026, Portishead: 12/05/2026, Tooting: 18/5/2026, Waltham Cross: 28/5/2026
- June 2026: Aldershot: 2/6/2026, Boston: 11/6/2026, Fulham Broadway: 18/6/2026, Grays: 15/6/2026, Halifax: 18/6/2026, Hemel Hempstead: 1/6/2026, Kirkby Lonsdale: 10/6/2026, Liverpool Street Station: 17/6/2026, Palmers Green, London: 1/6/2026, Pontefract: 4/6/2026, Sheffield - Attercliffe: 8/6/2026, South Shields: 9/6/2026, Southall: 4/6/2026, Welwyn Garden City: 3/6/2026
- August 2026: Evesham: 25/8/2026
- September 2026: Regent Street, London: 30/9/2026
- February 2027: Godalming: 23/2/2027 (unless a banking hub is set up earlier), Herne Bay: 24/2/2027, Sydenham: 23/2/2027 or later if a banking hub is still to be found
- Date to be confirmed: Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Launceston, Torquay (all pending banking hub establishment)
This announcement underscores the ongoing transformation in the UK banking sector, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences.
