NatWest to Close 18 Branches by Feb 2027: Full List Revealed

NatWest Group has announced plans to permanently close 18 of its high street branches across the UK. The closures, scheduled to take place between June 2026 and February 2027, will affect 12 NatWest locations in England and Wales and six Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) branches in Scotland. While half of these closures were flagged earlier in February 2026, the latest nine weren't officially confirmed until June. However, the banking giant has pledged to safeguard its remaining network, guaranteeing that no further branches will close until at least 2029.

Why Are These Closures Happening?

The main reason behind this decision is a change in consumer habits. NatWest stated that physical branch visits are declining as foot traffic moves online. According to a 2025 survey by Finder, nearly 90% of Brits now use digital banking, a massive jump from just 57% a decade before. To adapt to this shift, NatWest Group has committed to a £50 million investment aimed at modernizing and upgrading the branches that will remain open through the end of 2027.

Broader Trend of Branch Closures

NatWest is far from alone in shrinking its physical footprint. Since 2015, over 6,700 bank branches have disappeared from UK high streets as institutions like Barclays, Santander, and Lloyds balance changing demand with operational costs. This trend reflects a fundamental shift in how customers manage their finances, with digital channels becoming the primary method for everyday banking.

—

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list

What Are Your Options If Your Local Branch Closes?

If you rely on face-to-face banking, losing your local branch can be frustrating. Here are your main options moving forward:

Pickt after-article banner — collaborative shopping lists app with family illustration

Use the Post Office: You can handle most everyday banking tasks - like depositing cheques and checking balances - at your local Post Office.
Look for a banking hub: Shared banking hubs are popping up in communities to replace traditional branches. Check the Post Office website to see if one is operating near you.
Mobile branches: Some banks dispatch mobile branches (typically a retrofitted van or bus) to rural or underserved areas on specific days. Call your bank to check their schedule.
Switch banks: If you absolutely need a physical branch nearby, you can use the free Current Account Switch Service (CASS) to seamlessly move your money to a bank or building society that still has a presence in your town.