The Changing Face of UK Banking
The landscape of the British high street is set for another significant shift as major banks confirm a fresh wave of branch closures scheduled for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. This continued trend reflects a fundamental change in how consumers manage their money, with a decisive move towards digital and mobile banking.
In November alone, dozens of branches will shut their doors permanently across the country. This is part of a longer-term decline that has seen the number of physical bank outlets dwindle dramatically. According to consumer watchdog Which?, a staggering 6,522 bank branches have closed since January 2015, equating to an average of around 53 every single month.
The Digital Shift and Its Impact
The primary driver behind these closures is the rapid adoption of online banking. Data from Finder UK reveals that approximately 88% of UK adults, or about 48 million people, now use online or remote banking services. Furthermore, in 2025, two in five Britons hold a digital-only bank account, with an estimated 57% having or planning to open one, often attracted by higher interest rates.
Sam Richardson, deputy editor at Which?, commented on the scale of the change, stating: ‘The milestone of more than 6,000 bank closures in just nine years underscores the seismic shift that has taken place in terms of our banking habits and the character of the British high street.’
However, this transition poses a serious challenge for certain groups, including older or disabled customers and small business owners, who often rely on face-to-face services. The issue is particularly acute in rural areas, where poor broadband or mobile signal can make internet banking difficult or impossible.
Comprehensive List of Upcoming Closures
Here is a detailed breakdown of the confirmed branch closures from major UK banking groups.
Lloyds Bank Closures
Lloyds has emphasised that closure decisions take into account the impact on customers. Numerous branches are scheduled for closure in November, including locations in Coventry (Foleshill), Dunstable, Feltham, and Biggleswade. Further closures are planned for 2026 in towns such as Brigg, Falmouth, and Leominster.
NatWest Closures
At least 53 NatWest branches are slated for closure in 2025. The bank reported that over 80% of its current account holders use digital services. Key closures in November include the branch in Garstang, with several others like Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Cromer having their closure dates marked as 'to be confirmed'.
Santander Closures
Santander, which closed dozens of branches over the summer, has 19 more set to close. The only confirmed November closure is Surrey Quays, with others including Bexhill, Billericay, and Dover awaiting final dates. A Santander UK spokesperson said the bank must 'move with customers' and balance investment across all service channels.
Halifax and Bank of Scotland Closures
Halifax, part of the Lloyds Banking Group, will close branches in Wickford, Hexham, and Bolton in November, with more scheduled for 2026. Similarly, the Bank of Scotland will close its Thornhill and Moffat branches in November, with several others, including Alexandria and Annan, set to close in early 2026.
Not All Banks Are Closing
Amid the widespread closures, some institutions are bucking the trend. HSBC pledged last year that it would not announce any branch closures until at least 2026. Nationwide has made an even stronger commitment, promising not to close any branches until at least 2028, citing that its customers still value speaking face-to-face. Both Metro Bank and Barclays have also confirmed there will be no closures this year.
Additionally, Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland are adjusting opening hours at many branches that remain open. From September 25, most will now open at 9:30 AM instead of 9:00 AM and close an hour earlier, typically between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
