NatWest to Close 32 More Bank Branches – See the Full List

Why It Matters

The move underscores accelerating consolidation of physical banking in the UK, pressuring remaining branches and accelerating digital adoption, while reshaping competition among high‑street banks.

Key Takeaways

• NatWest closing 32 branches May 2026–Feb 2027.
• Closures reflect shift toward digital banking.
• Bank invested £115 million in branches since 2020.
• Online banking usage in UK reached 90% in 2024.
• Customers can use Post Office or mobile branch services.

Pulse Analysis

NatWest’s latest round of branch rationalisation adds 32 locations to a list that has been shrinking since the bank’s 2020 commitment to modernise its physical network. The closures, scheduled from May 2026 through February 2027, include sites in London, Manchester, and several regional towns. Despite the cutbacks, NatWest has poured £115 million into refurbishing and upgrading its remaining branches, signalling that the institution still values face‑to‑face service where demand exists. The decision reflects a data‑driven assessment of footfall, cost efficiency, and the need to redeploy capital toward higher‑margin digital products.

The driver behind the closures is the rapid migration to online banking, a trend that now touches nine‑tenths of British consumers. A 2025 Finder survey shows online usage climbing from 57 % in 2014 to 90 % in 2024, shrinking the relevance of traditional counters. For customers who prefer in‑person assistance, NatWest points to a growing ecosystem of Post Office banking points, mobile branch vans, and community‑based service hubs. These alternatives preserve basic transaction capability while allowing the bank to consolidate staff and reduce overhead, aligning service delivery with modern consumer expectations.

NatWest’s strategy mirrors actions taken by Lloyds, Santander and Barclays, which together have shuttered thousands of branches since 2015. The cumulative effect is a re‑shaping of the UK high‑street banking landscape, where physical locations become premium, experience‑focused outlets rather than routine transaction points. Competitors that maintain a broader footprint may face higher fixed costs, while those that accelerate digital transformation can capture cost savings and invest in fintech capabilities. Regulators and consumer groups will continue to monitor access to essential services, but the momentum toward a leaner, technology‑centric banking model appears irreversible.