Santander will close 13 bank branches across the UK in April, marking another step in a broader restructuring of its physical network. The move reflects a continued shift in how customers manage their finances, with most now relying on digital services.
The closures come amid wider changes across British high streets, where banks and other services have steadily reduced their physical presence. Santander says it will retain a mix of branch formats while expanding alternative in-person support through new community-based services.
Shift to Digital Banking Drives Branch Reductions
Santander’s decision is closely tied to changing customer behaviour. According to the bank, 96% of its customers now carry out their banking digitally, reducing the need for traditional branch services.
A spokesperson for Santander UK stated that the changes respond to “a continuing and sizeable shift towards customers using digital banking”, adding that the bank is adapting its network to better match how people choose to bank. The restructuring includes a combination of full-service branches, counter-free locations, reduced-hour sites, and newer formats such as Santander Locals and Work Cafés.
According to the same statement, the bank intends to continue investing in both its physical and digital infrastructure. While branches are closing, the company plans to maintain a presence through alternative in-person services, including Community Bankers who will operate from shared Banking Hubs or local venues.
The closures form part of a longer-term plan, with Santander aiming to operate around 305 branches once its network overhaul is complete. According to reports, further closures are expected to continue through to 2027.
Full List of Closures Highlights Nationwide Impact
The 13 branches scheduled to close in April are spread across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, illustrating the geographic breadth of the changes. According to the published list, the following branches will shut their doors:
- Bangor, County Down – April 29, 2026
- Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland – April 28, 2026
- Bridgwater, Somerset – April 29, 2026
- Boston, Lincolnshire – April 28, 2026
- Evesham, Worcestershire – April 28, 2026
- Kirkintilloch, Lanarkshire – April 29, 2026
- Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire – April 29, 2026
- Mold, Clwyd – April 28, 2026
- Newbury, Berkshire – April 29, 2026
- Ramsgate, Kent – April 28, 2028
- Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire – April 29, 2026
- Tonbridge, Kent – April 29, 2026
- Woking, Surrey – April 28, 2026
The dates show a concentration of closures at the end of April, with most branches ceasing operations on either April 28 or April 29. Ramsgate stands out with a listed closure date of April 2028, as reported in the same source.
The broader context reflects a continuing pattern across the UK, where bank closures have affected many communities in recent years. According to the report, hundreds of branches shut in 2025 alone, driven by declining in-person usage.
Santander’s approach attempts to balance reduced physical infrastructure with alternative access points. While traditional branches are disappearing in some areas, the bank indicates that face-to-face services will still be available through adapted formats, though not always in the same locations or structures as before.
