NatWest has announced plans to shut an additional 55 bank branches across the UK in the coming months, bringing the total number of closures this year to 108. The bank cited the ongoing shift towards online banking as the primary reason for the reduction in its physical footprint.
Among the branches scheduled for closure are those in Cirencester (Gloucestershire), Evesham (Worcestershire), Yate (South Gloucestershire), Portishead (Somerset), and Chippenham (Wiltshire). These closures add to the 53 branches already shut in 2024, following nearly 20 closures in 2023.
According to consumer group Which?, the NatWest Group—which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank—has closed 1,409 branches since 2015. Customers requiring in-person services can still use any branch within the NatWest group, including RBS branches, and vice versa.
Alternative banking options include mobile branch services, which visit community locations on specific days offering deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments. Post Office outlets also provide cash deposits, withdrawals, balance enquiries, and cheque deposits.
A NatWest spokesperson stated: "Over 80 per cent of our active current account holders now use our digital services and over 97 per cent of retail accounts with us are now opened online." They added that the bank is investing over £20 million in its network in 2025 to improve customer service and reduce environmental impact, while continuing to support shared solutions like Post Office and Banking Hubs.
