NatWest has confirmed more branch closures, adding to the already shut banks that closed in 2025 so far. The bank says that these closures are a result of its drive to focus more on its digital offerings for customers. Numerous branches have closed since January 2025, and more are set to close their doors.
The bank explained: "Our customers are using digital banking more than ever before - over 80 per cent of our active current account holders now use our digital services, and over 97 per cent 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."
They continued: "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."
The newest closures confirmed by NatWest, including six next week, are:
Last year, 48 NatWest branches closed. In 2023, only 20 closed. 2025 sees a continuation of the increase in closures from the bank.
Concerns have been raised in regards to members of local communities who may rely on in-person banking services, such as elderly people or people with disabilities. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) watchdog has mandated that banks and building societies that are shutting physical branches have to make sure that people in the community can still access their money and financial services.