As UK bank branches continue to close across the country, customers of major banking groups such as Halifax, NatWest, Lloyds, and Barclays are being warned to prepare for further disruptions in April 2025. According to Birmingham Live, the closures are part of a broader trend that has seen over 6,293 branches shut down since January 2015, as banks increasingly move towards digital and remote services.
The Impact of Bank Branch Closures
Research from consumer champion Which? highlights that NatWest Group, which includes NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), and Ulster Bank, has closed the most branches of any UK banking group, with a total of 1,431 locations shut. Meanwhile, Lloyds Banking Group, which comprises Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, has shut 1,321 branches. Barclays follows closely behind, having reduced its network by 1,236 branches. This shift to digital services is reshaping the way customers access banking.
The closures have raised concerns for many customers, particularly those in rural areas, who rely on physical bank branches for their banking needs. As a result, many customers may find it increasingly difficult to access in-person services such as cash withdrawals, cheque deposits, and financial advice.
What This Means for Customers of Halifax, NatWest, Lloyds, and Barclays
Starting in January 2025, customers of Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland will be able to use branches across any of the three banks for everyday banking transactions. This arrangement, designed to provide some continuity for affected customers, means that basic services like cash deposits, withdrawals, and paying in cheques will remain available at branches of the three banks.
However, many customers will still face a significant challenge due to the overall reduction in physical bank locations. Martin Lewis, the founder of Money Saving Expert, warns customers who may be affected by these closures:
“If you no longer want to stay with Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland, you might want to consider switching to a bank that does have a local branch nearby – although bear in mind there’s no guarantee that won’t close as well.”
For those unable to access a nearby branch, customers can use Post Offices for basic banking services, such as withdrawing cash and making deposits.
Upcoming Closures in April 2025
Several major branch closures are scheduled for April 2025, with some key locations already announced. Customers of Halifax will see closures in places such as Malton (April 8), Chippenham (April 15), and Newbury (April 16). Other affected locations include Oswestry, Runcorn, and Tamworth, with closures continuing throughout the month.
Similarly, NatWest customers will see branches close in Cleveleys, Dewsbury, and Bishop Auckland in late April. Barclays will close its Cockermouth branch on April 4, while Lloyds customers will be impacted by closures in locations such as Kenilworth (April 2) and Hitchin (April 7).
