Santander and NatWest, two leading UK banks, are advancing with branch closure plans amid a surge in digital banking usage. The next phase begins Tuesday, April 28, 2026, with 55 branches set to shut by May 28 and additional closures scheduled through September and into 2027.
Reasons for Closures
Both banks highlight the shift to online services as the primary driver. Santander notes that 96% of customer transactions now occur digitally, reducing the need for physical locations. NatWest echoes this trend, stating on its website: “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.”
NatWest emphasizes support for affected customers, adding: “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.” Many NatWest branches will transition to banking hubs offering face-to-face services.
Santander Branch Closures
Santander plans to close 40 branches by May 20, 2026.
April 28, 2026
- Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
- Boston, Lincolnshire
- Evesham, Worcestershire
- Mold, Clwyd
- Ramsgate, Kent
- Woking, Surrey
April 29, 2026
- Bangor, County Down
- Bridgwater, Somerset
- Kirkintilloch, Lanarkshire
- Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
- Newbury, Berkshire
- Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire
- Tonbridge, Kent
May 5, 2026
- Bishop Auckland, County Durham
- Gosport, Hampshire
- Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
- Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
- Pontefract, West Yorkshire
- Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
May 6, 2026
- Glengormley, County Antrim
- Leyland, Lancashire
- Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
- Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan
- Northallerton, North Yorkshire
- Ringwood, Hampshire
May 12, 2026
- Andover, Hampshire
- Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan
- Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
- Macclesfield, Cheshire
- Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
May 13, 2026
- Cwmbran, Gwent
- Golders Green, London
- Heswall, Merseyside
- Redditch, Worcestershire
- Stranraer, Wigtownshire
May 19, 2026
- Newton Abbot, Devon
- Stafford, Staffordshire
- Banbridge, County Down
May 20, 2026
- Liskeard, Cornwall
- Shirley, West Midlands
NatWest Branch Closures
NatWest will close 15 branches by the end of May 2026, followed by 14 in June, one in August, one in September, and three in February 2027.
May 2026
- Barnet: May 11
- Eastcote: May 11
- Ashford (Middlesex): May 12
- Cheetham Hill: May 12
- Portishead: May 12
- Brentwood: May 13
- Hartlepool: May 14
- Loughton: May 18
- Tooting: May 18
- Hove: May 19
- Chorlton-cum-Hardy: May 20
- Harlow: May 21
- Hornchurch: May 21
- Orpington: May 27
- Waltham Cross: May 28
June 2026
- Hemel Hempstead: June 1
- Palmers Green, London: June 1
- Aldershot: June 2
- Welwyn Garden City: June 3
- Pontefract: June 4
- Southall: June 4
- Sheffield – Attercliffe: June 8
- South Shields: June 9
- Kirkby Lonsdale: June 10
- Boston: June 11
- Grays: June 15
- Liverpool Street Station: June 17
- Fulham Broadway: June 18
- Halifax: June 18
Later Closures
- Evesham: August 25, 2026
- Regent Street, London: September 30, 2026
- Godalming: February 23, 2027 (earlier if banking hub established)
- Herne Bay: February 24, 2027
- Sydenham: February 23, 2027 or later if banking hub pending
