Three major banks are set to shut a number of branches this week in another blow to UK high streets. Branches are closing at a regular rate across the country as banks reduce their physical footprint in UK towns and cities in response to changes in customer habits.
A combined 10 branches are being closed by banking giants NatWest, Lloyds and Halifax this week. Out of the three, Halifax is shutting the most (five) in the coming days. NatWest is expected to pull the shutters down on four branches. In a statement on its website, NatWest says: “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.
“Closing a branch is a decision we take very seriously. We know it can affect those who are less confident with the alternatives we offer.
“We’ll always work hard to guide and support you through the changes and find the best way to serve you from now on.”
Meanwhile, Lloyds is closing a branch one Wednesday, The Sun reports.
Hundreds of different bank branches have already shut this year, with more expected in 2026.
Lloyds Baking Group, of which Halifax is part of, has confirmed it will shut 49 additional branches next year.
It means 289 branches are set to close by the end of 2026.
According to the banking group, 218 branches are expected to shut by the end of this year, with the remaining 71 scheduled for closure in 2026.
The parent group’s latest closures, scheduled for 2026, comprise 26 Lloyds branches, 10 Halifax sites and 13 Bank of Scotland locations.
“The way people are banking has changed, with over 21 million customers choosing our apps to manage their money,” a Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said.
“We’re providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people.
“Alongside our app, our customers can use any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland branch, the Post Office or banking hubs for their everyday banking, and deposit cash at over 30,000 PayPoint locations.”
More than 6,000 bank and building society branches have closed since 2015.
