NatWest says people have changed the way they are banking, switching to online services
Natwest has announced it is closing dozens of branches within a year. The banking giant has confirmed the closure dates of 34 banks with three more closing at a date yet to be decided.
The majority of the closures will come before the end of June 2026, with many being replaced by banking hubs to allow customers some access to face-to-face services. It explained the decision on its website where it gave full details of what was happening for customers of each individual bank.
It said: “We’ve recently announced that we’re closing some branches. You can still bank with us in many other ways.
“Banking has changed dramatically in recent years. 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.” It said people could find more information through the closure guides on its website.
Earlier this week Barclays signalled a major u-turn on a similar closure strategy. Since 2018, more than 800 Barclays branches have shut their doors – leaving just 206 still operating across the UK, according to the bank’s most recent annual report.
However, according to The Times, Vim Maru, chief executive officer at Barclays UK has said he has halted the closures and has plans to expand the network once again. He told the publication: “What we’re trying to do is something that allows us to differentiate in front of our customers.
“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.”
NatWest has invested £115 million in its branches since 2020 and has said it will continue to financially back its network over the next three years. It said money has been invested into banking hubs, which are operated by the Post Office.
However, it has closed hundreds of branches since 2022, including more than 100 last year alone. Speaking previously a NatWest spokesperson said: “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.”
NatWest has confirmed the closure dates of 34 branches before the end of February 2027, with most going before the end of June this year. Three more will close on a date to be confirmed. Here is the full list of branches that are confirmed to be closing and the dates NatWest has said it will happen.
May 2026
- Ashford (Middlesex): 12/5/2026
- Barnet: 11/5/2026
- Brentwood: 13/5/2026
- Cheetham Hill: 12/5/26
- Chorlton-cum-Hardy: 20/5/26
- 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: 18/5/26
- 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
September 2026
- Regent Street, London: 30/9/2026
February 2027
- Godalming: 23/2/2027 unless a banking hub is set up earlier which will bring this date forward
- Herne Bay: 24/2/2027
- Sydenham: 23/2/27 or later if a banking hub is still to be found
Date to be confirmed
- Ashby-de-la-Zouch: To be confirmed after a banking hub is found
- Launceston: To be confirmed after a banking hub is found
- Torquay: To be confirmed after a banking hub is found
