High-street banking in the UK is undergoing a profound transformation as digital services continue to reshape how people manage their finances.
NatWest has confirmed it will close 25 branches in June, part of a larger plan to shut 53 locations across the country by the end of 2024.
This move reflects a wider trend in the banking industry, where declining footfall and rising online engagement are prompting major financial institutions to scale back their physical networks.
Natwest Moves Forward With Nationwide Closures
NatWest is set to shut 25 of its branches across the UK this June, forming part of a broader plan to close 53 locations by the end of 2024. This development is part of a continuing trend in the British banking sector, as high-street banks reduce physical presence in response to changing consumer behaviour.
According to Which?, more than 6,000 bank branches have closed across the UK since January 2015—an average of around 53 closures per month. The NatWest Group, which includes NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has led the way with 1,431 closures, followed by Lloyds Banking Group with 1,321 closures to date.
Digital Banking Replaces Traditional Services
The bank attributes the closures to a significant shift in customer habits. Between October 2019 and October 2024, over-the-counter transactions declined by 62%, while mobile banking app usage grew by 53%, according to figures from the bank.
A spokesperson for NatWest told TimesOut: “Banking has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services, as our customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank.”
The bank also acknowledged the impact these changes may have on individuals less comfortable with digital services, stating it would continue to offer guidance and support during the transition.
The upcoming June closures reflect this digital shift and raise further concerns about accessibility for customers who rely on in-person banking. Local communities, particularly in rural areas or among older demographics, may face increased difficulties as nearby branches disappear.
Full List of Natwest Branches Closing in June
- Accrington, June 5
- Alfreton & Clay Cross, June 2
- Beverley, June 25
- Bridlington, June 11
- Cross Gates, June 10
- Ellesmere Port Town Centre, June 4
- Hazel Grove, June 19
- Heaton Chapel, June 3
- Garstang, June 26
- Keighley, June 16
- Leek, June 16
- Longton, June 5
- Manchester Portland Street, June 11
- Mansfield, June 26
- Mexborough, June 3
- Nantwich, June 19
- Newark, June 17
- Rochdale, June 10
- Stafford Greengate, June 25
- Annes-on-Sea, June 24
- Stockton on Tees, June 4
- Uttoxeter, June 2
- Washington, June 17
- West Bridgford, June 24
- Worksop, June 18
These closures highlight the ongoing evolution of banking in the UK, where digital channels are becoming the primary method of service delivery. While the shift may offer increased convenience for many, it also presents new challenges for communities that still depend on face-to-face banking.
