NatWest confirms another bank branch closure – will your local bank close?

NatWest said more of its customers are opting to use online and mobile banking, but the bank has acknowledged branch closures can “affect those less confident with alternatives”.

A NatWest spokesperson said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.

“We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.

“We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”

As well as app and online banking, NatWest offers video banking and telephone banking services.

The bank also has a dedicated support line for over 60s, which is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Lloyds Banking Group announced a number of bank branch closures this week.

Halifax will shut 15 more of its sites across England and Scotland as part of these closures.

Lloyds Bank will close 18 of its bank branches while the Bank of Scotland will shut two branches in Scotland.

These closures will take place from next year, with the earliest shutting its doors in January 2024.

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A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said: “Our customers are increasingly using digital channels to manage their money – we now have over 21 million customers choosing to bank online.

“We’re introducing more Community Bankers to provide targeted support in local communities, alongside other services such as our mobile app, online and over the phone.

"Customers can also bank with us through the Post Office or in a Banking Hub.”

The Group said all of the affected sites have a Post Office nearby, and most have at least one free-to-use ATM close by.