NatWest will shut 26 branches across the UK this month in another blow to the high street following the closure of over 50 sites already in 2025. It comes after a shift in customer behaviour with NatWest increasing its focus on digital banking services.
It means many older and disabled customers who rely on their local banks will now be forced to use online services. NatWest Group, which also owns Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has shut over 1,400 branches since January 2015, including 48 last year and 20 in 2023. While 26 more will close in September, a further 20 will follow suit in October.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has insistedbanks must ensure people can still access their money. The watchdog says some basic banking services can still be carried out at a Post Office.
NatWest said: “Our customers are using digital banking more than ever before – over 80% of our active current account holders now use our digital services and over 97% of retail accounts with us are now opened online.
“Like any business, we strive to meet our customers’ changing needs and expectations and we’ve been responding to the industry-wide shift towards digital services by investing to broaden what customers can do themselves and to offer them greater personalisation.
“We are also significantly investing in refreshing our network – we expect to invest in excess of £20m in our network across the UK in 2025 to improve customer service, enhance the look and feel of our branches, and reduce the environmental impact of our buildings, as well as continuing to invest in shared solutions like the Post Office and Banking Hubs.”