NatWest Announces Closure of 53 UK Bank Branches in 2025

2025-01-24

NatWest has announced the closure of 53 bank branches across the UK in 2025, continuing a trend of high street bank closures as customers increasingly shift to digital banking. The closures, set to take place between April and June, will affect branches in locations including Blackburn, Leeds, Leyland, Newcastle upon Tyne, Nottingham, and Salford. This follows the closure of 48 branches in 2024 and nearly 20 in 2023, as part of a broader reduction in NatWest’s physical branch network, which has seen over 1,400 closures since 2015.

The bank cited a significant rise in digital banking usage, with over 80% of active current account holders now using online services and 97% of retail accounts opened online. To mitigate the impact on customers, NatWest is investing over £20 million in its remaining branch network to improve services and reduce environmental impact. The bank is also promoting alternatives such as Post Office banking services and shared banking hubs, which allow customers to access basic banking services and receive support from staff on a rotational basis.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced new rules requiring banks to ensure customers retain access to cash services when branches close. This includes setting up banking hubs or ATMs in areas where closures leave significant gaps. However, the closures remain a concern for vulnerable groups, particularly older customers and those in rural areas with limited internet access.

NatWest has committed to providing 12 weeks’ notice to affected customers and will offer support to vulnerable individuals and regular branch users. The bank emphasised its focus on meeting changing customer needs while continuing to invest in digital and shared solutions.

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