Nationwide to Keep 18 London Branches Open Until 2030

In a significant move for the UK's high streets, Nationwide Building Society has publicly confirmed its commitment to keep 18 of its London branches operational until at least the year 2030.

A Nationwide Branch Promise

This fresh pledge solidifies the society's promise that all 696 Nationwide and Virgin Money branches across the United Kingdom will stay open for a minimum of five more years. This commitment stands in stark contrast to the widespread trend of bank branch closures seen elsewhere in the country, where services are increasingly shifting to shared banking hubs and Post Office counters.

The decision follows Nationwide's acquisition of Virgin Money last year, a move that has significantly expanded its physical network. Dame Debbie Crosbie, Nationwide's Group Chief Executive, emphasised the importance of this decision, stating: "Branches are important to our customers, to communities and to the health of our high streets. That's why Nationwide will continue to keep branches open in addition to our investment in online and telephone channels."

Bucking the Trend with Community Focus

Nationwide operates the UK's largest single-brand banking network with 605 branches. When combined with the 91 branches from Virgin Money, the total network reaches 696 locations. The society has noted a particular surge in new account openings in areas where it has become the "last branch in town".

Since January, an additional 33 Nationwide branches have attained this status following closures by rival banks. The data reveals the ongoing public reliance on physical banks: in the six months to the end of September, a third (33%) of all new Nationwide current accounts and about a fifth (22%) of new savings accounts were opened in a branch, with volumes increasing compared to the previous year.

Interestingly, while vulnerable and older customers are known to depend on face-to-face support, the society also reported that more than one in 10 new student accounts were opened in a branch during the new academic year, highlighting usage across generations.

More Than Just Banking

Nationwide's branch promise, first introduced in 2019 and extended last year, goes beyond traditional banking services. The society actively uses its branches to host community-focused initiatives. These include running dementia clinics in partnership with Dementia UK's specialist admiral nurses, holding digital lessons to boost technological confidence among customers, and providing "safe spaces" for victim-survivors of domestic abuse.

The following 18 London Nationwide branches are confirmed to remain open until at least 2030: