Lloyds, Santander and Barclays are set to close almost 20 bank branches combined across the UK next month. Over 420 bank branches have shut since the start of this year, and 130 more will close between September and December.
Over the past few years, bank and building society branches have been disappearing from our high streets at a frightening pace. Banksare closing branches primarily due to the rise of online and mobile banking, which has significantly decreased the demand for physical branches. Customers are increasingly using digital platforms to manage their accounts, conduct transactions, and access financialservices, leading banks to reassess the need for a large network of physical branches. Which? has been tracking bank branch closures from major account providers in the UK since 2015. The consumer champion says almost 6,500 bank branches (64% of all open branches) have closed since, which equals 50 closing every month.
The bank that has shut the most branches since then is Barclays, at 1,236. Lloyds (which includes Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland) has closed 1,391. Natwest (which includes Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster) has shut 1,391.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "Physical spaces - whether a bank or building society branch, Banking Hub, or alternative suitable provision - must continue to exist so people can still carry out face-to-face tasks.
"The disappearance of face-to-face banking risks cutting a significant minority of the older population out of an essential service, making it difficult if not impossible for them to manage their money and maintain their independence."
Santander, Lloyds and Barclys closures planned for August 2025:
Santander Wimborne: August 4
Santander Blyth: August 5
Santander Canvey Island: August 5
Santander Rustington: August 5
Santander Downpatrick: August 6
Santander Finchley: August 6
Santander Whitley Bay: August 6
Santander Formby: August 11
Santander Brixton: August 11
Santander Sidcup: August 11
Santander Edgware Road: August 12
Santander Holywell: August 13
Santander Willerby: August 13
Santander Plympton: August 14
Lloyds Bank Leeds Crossgates: August 20
Barclays Hull: August 22
