THOUSANDS of customers face having their bank branch close within weeks as 24 locations are set to shut forever.
The closures come as major high street banks move more of their banking services online.
Barclays, NatWest, Santander and Halifax all plan to close some of their branches in March
Data from the UK’s largest cash machine network, LINK, keeps track of any planned branch closures across the UK.
Barclays will bring down the shutters on 11 branches next month and NatWest will close nine locations.
Santander will shut three of its bank branches before the end of March, and Halifax will also shut one outlet.
Many banks also offer a mobile banking service in locations where branches are scarce.
This is where your bank brings a bus to your local area that has the services that are usually available at your branch.
You should call up your bank to see if it runs a banking bus and they will be able to tell you where and when it will be parked.
Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.
Here is a full list of the 24 bank branches that are going to close along with the date they are planning on pulling down the shutters.
Barclays closures
- Swansea – March 7
- Ellesmere Port – March 2
- Amersham – March 1
- Birmingham – March 10
- Dagenham – March 3
- Sleaford – March 8
- Bridlington – March 6
- Liskeard – March 2
- Torquay – March 8
- Sittingbourne – March 8
- Weymouth – March 3
NatWest closures
- Thame – March 1
- Glossop – March 3
- Cleethorpes – March 7
- Parkstone – March 7
- Devizes – March 8
- Uckfield – March 8
- Waterlooville – March 9
- Tonbridge – March 9
- Whitehaven – March 14
Santander closures
- Dartford – March 30
- Sheffield – March 30
- Derby – March 30
Halifax closures
- Leeds – March 29
We’ve also listed all the bank branches closing in 2023.
What bank has the most branches?
If you prefer to do your banking in a branch, then it’s getting increasingly difficult.
Despite closures, there may be a local one near you that you’d prefer to visit.
For example, Lloyds Banking Group still operates more than 1,000 branches across the country across its Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands.
How do I switch bank account?
It’s easy to switch your bank account using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
You don’t have to remember to move direct debits over when moving as it does this everything for you.
All you have to do is apply for the new account you want and the new bank will let your existing provider know you’re moving.
There are some steps you can take before switching though, such as choosing your switch date, or organising transferring your old bank statements to your new account.
To get your old statements you should get in touch with your bank.
How to find the best bank accounts
Don’t waste time looking at individual banking sites – it’ll take you an eternity.
Research websites like MoneyFacts.co.uk and price comparison websites such as Compare the Market, Go Compare and MoneySupermarket will help save you time and show you the best rates available.
These sites let you tailor your searches to an account type that suits you.
