NatWest has confirmed 18 more bank branches will close this winter, in yet another blow for customers who prefer in-person banking.
The bank will close the sites from February 2024.
NatWest Group will close 142 sites in 2023, including 128 NatWest branches and four Royal Bank of Scotland locations, according to Which?.
The banking group said fewer people are visiting the affected branches, amid the “ease of mobile and online banking”.
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The bank said average counter transactions reduced by 60 per cent between January 2019 and January 2023.
Their research found the number of customers using mobile apps increased by 49 per cent between January 2019 and January 2023.
A NatWest spokesperson said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.
“We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.
“We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”
Banks and building societies have closed 5,753 branches since January 2015, according to research by Which?, with NatWest Group having closed 1,329 branches, which is the most out of any banking group.
NatWest said they understood that the closure of a local bank branch can be a worry for some customers, particularly when they are uncomfortable or unable to use online banking services.
The bank said they have launched a dedicated support line to help customers who are over 60, which is open 8am to 8pm seven days a week with shorter waiting times.
NatWest also said they have invested in their partnership with the Post Office to provide everyday face-to-face banking services local to customers.
Full list of 18 new NatWest bank branch closures
- Water Lane, Bakewell – February 22
- Bristol Road, South Birmingham – March 5
- Chiswick High Road, London – February 20
- Castle Street, Dudley- March 7
- New Line, Bradford – February 21
- Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich – February 22
- High Street, Maldon- March 7
- Marine Road Central, Morecambe – February 28
- Prescot Road, Liverpool – March 5
- Moor Street, Ormskirk – February 27
- Taff Street, Pontypridd – February 29
- High Street, East Redcar – February 20
- High Street, Rickmansworth – February 29
- Piccadilly, London – March 6
- High Street, Rochester – March 6
- Victoria Road, Surbiton – February 21
- High Street, Wednesfield – February 28
- Station Parade, London – February 27
NatWest Group has also announced the closure of one new Royal Bank of Scotland branch.
The 23 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow RBS branch will shut in November 2024.
