NatWest is set to close 53 more branches across the UK in 2025 as part of its ongoing shift towards digital banking. This decision comes amid a significant increase in customers banking online, with more than 80% of NatWest’s current account holders now using digital services.
This latest round of closures follows a challenging few years for the bank, which has already shut 48 branches in 2024 and about 20 in 2023. Since 2015, NatWest has closed a total of 1,409 branches nationwide.
NatWest is not alone in this trend. Across the UK, banks and building societies have closed over 6,000 branches in response to the growing preference for online banking among customers.
Despite the branch closures, NatWest is investing £20 million into its UK network in 2025. The investment aims to improve customer service and reduce the environmental impact of its buildings. The bank is also expanding alternatives such as partnerships with the Post Office and the development of Banking Hubs to support customers who do not have easy access to branches.
Below is the full list of NatWest branches scheduled to close in 2025, along with their closure dates:
- Accrington – June 5
- Alfreton – June 2
- Beverley – June 25
- Bishop Auckland – April 29
- Blackburn, Audley, Copy Nook – May 12
- Bridlington – June 11
- Cannock – May 12
- Cleveleys – April 28
- Derby, Allenton – May 13
- Dewsbury – April 28
- Ellesmere Port – June 4
- Failsworth, Hollinwood, Oldham Road – May 7
- Farnworth – May 15
- Garstang – June 26
- Goole – May 14
- Keighley – June 16
- Leeds, Chapel Allerton, Harrogate Road – April 30
- Leeds, Cross Gates – June 10
- Leek – June 16
- Leyland, Golden Hill, Chapel Brow – May 15
- Liverpool, Walton Vale – May 14
- Long Eaton – May 29
- Louth – May 28
- Manchester – June 11
- Mansfield – June 26
- Market Drayton – Date TBC
- Mexborough – June 3
- Middleton – April 30
- Morley – May 8
- Nantwich – June 19
- Newark-on-Trent – June 17
- Newcastle upon Tyne, West Denton – May 1
- Nottingham, Sherwood, Hucknall Road – May 21
- Nottingham, West Bridgford – June 24
- Rawtenstall – May 29
- Rochdale – June 10
- Salford, Trafford Park, Third Avenue – May 20
- Sheffield, Ecclesall Road – May 7
- St Annes On Sea – June 24
- Stafford – June 25
- Stockport, Hazel Grove – June 19
- Stockport, Heaton Moor – June 3
- Stockton-on-Tees – June 4
- Stoke-on-Trent, Longton – June 5
- Urmston – May 13
- Uttoxeter – June 2
- Wallasey – May 21
- Washington – June 17
- Widnes – May 8
- Willerby – April 29
- Wilmslow – May 20
- Windermere – May 1
- Worksop – June 18
The announcement has caused concern in small towns and rural communities, where many residents fear the loss of local branches will disproportionately affect elderly customers and those less comfortable with digital banking.
A NatWest spokesperson said, “Our customers are using digital banking more than ever before – over 80% of our active current account holders now use our digital services. We are also significantly investing in refreshing our network to meet customers’ evolving needs and expectations.”
Nevertheless, the branch closures highlight the ongoing decline of traditional high streets, as the banking landscape continues to evolve towards a digital future that some customers find challenging.
Originally published by UKNIP.
