Santander announced the closure of 95 stores early this year and other changes, including cutting the opening hours of several branches. The change, which will come into effect on June 30, will see 36 branches open only three days a week instead of five, from 9.30am to 3pm, and 9.30am to 12.30pm.
It all comes as consumer habits towards shopping and banking have changed, causing a massive blow to the high street, with a series of both banks and retail stores. Santander revealed that more people are choosing to bank using their mobile and online rather than in person.
On the days an impacted branch is closed, the bank says that customers can visit one of the other branches that is open, or bank at their local Post Office.
It said in a statement: "We've made this decision of the back of a recent review of our branches. This review looked at where our branches are located, how they're used and the other banking options available."
In addition to the new opening hours, a chain of branches will completely close their doors next week, as 38 banks are expected to close in July.
The bank added: "We last did a major review of our branches in 2021. Since then, many of our customers are choosing to use Mobile, Online and Telephone Banking more, and branches less."
Santander is not the only bank that has made similar changes. Natwest, Halifax, and Lloyds Bank are also closing branches across the UK, as a result of the move to digital banking.
Branches that will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday 9:30am - 3pm
- Banbury HS
- Barry
- Bury St Edmunds
- Cricklewood
- Great Yarmouth
- Hitchin
- Kendal
- Kilmarnock
- Newark
- Petersfield
- Stamford
- Stroud
- Sudbury
- Trowbridge
- Washington
- Wellingborough
- West Bridgford
- Worksop
- Alton
- Beeston
- Bicester
- Braintree
- Caerphilly (Saturday opening hours don't apply to this branch)
- Chippenham
- Cirencester
- Durham
- Ely
- Grantham
- Harlesden
- Irvine
- Kettering
- Lowestoft
- Penrith
- Retford
- Spalding
- Stevenage
