The banking giant confirmed 36 branches – 34 Natwest and two RBS locations – are set to close between September 2023 and August 2024 as customers continue to flock to digital banking. The branches will close in locations across the UK including banks in London, Gloucester and Southampton.
Meanwhile, RBS is closing two branches in Scotland.
In January, Natwest Group announced 23 bank branch closures, which was followed by 42 flagged in March, meaning so far in 2023, it has announced that 101 branches will disappear from the high street.
Overall, across all the banking brands, 375 branches have been earmarked for closure this year and next from the likes of Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, Virgin Money, TSB and Nationwide.
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.”
There are an estimated 39,000 free ATMs across the UK and 11,000 Post Offices where customers can access and carry out basic banking services.
