Nearly two million UK banking customers face a pre-Christmas deadline as all Sainsbury's Bank accounts will be fully closed by December 2025, completing a major sector transition.
The Banking Migration Timeline
This significant change follows NatWest's acquisition of Sainsbury's Bank's core business last year, as the supermarket giant refocused on its food operations. The deal included transferring 1.8 million customers alongside credit cards, loans, and savings products.
The migration has been progressing systematically throughout 2025. Credit card customers were moved to NatWest systems on October 3, followed by loan customers transitioning on October 31. Savings account holders represent the final group awaiting transfer.
What Customers Need to Do
From December, access to Sainsbury's Bank online banking and mobile app will cease completely. NatWest has committed to contacting affected customers with detailed instructions for registering with their new banking platforms.
Current Sainsbury's Bank credit cards will remain functional until customers receive their replacement NatWest-branded cards. The bank has confirmed that all Direct Debits will transfer automatically to NatWest under the Direct Debit Guarantee, though statements will display NatWest Bank Plc instead of Sainsbury's Bank Plc.
Critical Actions Before December
NatWest strongly advises savings account customers to download their statements immediately from Sainsbury's Bank systems, as this access will disappear after migration. Once accounts have moved, all statement history will be available through NatWest's digital banking services.
Customers who already bank with NatWest will receive specific guidance about managing multiple accounts. The complete transition marks the end of Sainsbury's two-decade presence in the banking sector, consolidating these services within one of Britain's major high street banking groups.
