NatWest Announces Closure of 55 More Branches Amid Digital Shift

NatWest has confirmed plans to close an additional 55 locations, including 52 bank branches and three mobile banking vans. This follows the closure of 54 branches earlier in the year, highlighting a continued trend towards digital banking and away from traditional high street branches.

Since 2015, the NatWest Group—which includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank—has shuttered a total of 1,455 branches. In 2024 alone, 48 branches have closed, alongside nearly 20 closures in 2023. Despite these cutbacks, NatWest reassures customers that in-person service remains accessible at any branch across its network. For example, NatWest customers can visit Royal Bank of Scotland branches and vice versa.

To support communities, NatWest also offers mobile branch services, where staff visit local areas on set days to provide essential banking transactions such as cash deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments. Additionally, the Post Office continues to provide key banking services including cash withdrawals, deposits, balance checks, and cheque processing for NatWest customers.

A NatWest spokesperson explained that over 80% of active current account holders now use digital services, and more than 97% of retail accounts are opened online. Customers appreciate the convenience and speed of digital banking for routine transactions, while more complex needs are met through expert staff support.

The bank emphasized its commitment to evolving alongside customer preferences by investing in digital improvements and personalisation. It will also invest over £20 million in 2025 to refresh branches across the UK, enhancing customer experience while reducing environmental impact. This investment includes improvements to physical branches and shared banking solutions such as Post Office partnerships and Banking Hubs. For locations transitioning to the new network, temporary support will be provided through 12-week Community Pop-Up services.