UK banks are continuing to close branches nationwide as more customers shift to digital and online banking services. The majority of high street banks have closed a significant number of branches this year, as part of the decline that has affected British high streets over the last few years, and it appears that more closures are set to take place next year.

NatWest, Santander, and Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland) have all revealed that a high percentage of their customers are switching from banking in person to online services, and after assessing their networks, all banks decided to reduce the number of branches they operate.

Lloyds currently has the most confirmed closure dates for its UK branches, with a significant 39 branches set to cease operation in 2026.

Both NatWest and Santander also have a number of branches scheduled to permanently close down this month. Both Santander’s Ilkley and Billericay branches will close in just a few days’ time, with Larne and Droitwich following the week after.

A Santander spokesperson told Express: “As a leading retail bank, we continuously review our operating model to ensure we are organised in the best way to support our customers. Whenever changes are made to the network, we always ensure that customers are made aware first.

“We remain committed to ensuring customers can bank with us through a range of channels, including in-person at branches and ATMs, or through our online, mobile and telephone banking services. Customers can also use over 11,000 Post Office branches for their banking needs, as well as Banking Hubs, given we are a member of Cash Access UK Ltd.”