Major UK banking institutions Lloyds Bank and NatWest have confirmed plans to close a combined total of 72 branches throughout 2026, a move attributed to the ongoing shift in customer preferences towards digital banking solutions.
Changing Banking Habits Drive Widespread Closures
The decision to shutter these physical locations comes as both banks report significant changes in how customers manage their finances. A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group highlighted that over 21 million customers now utilise their mobile applications for banking needs, reflecting a broader industry trend towards digital convenience.
Lloyds will close 23 branches, with 17 of these shutting their doors in January alone. NatWest plans to close 32 locations throughout the year. The closures span numerous towns and cities across the United Kingdom, including one notable branch in Birmingham's Harborne area.
Banking Alternatives and Customer Support
Both financial institutions have emphasised their commitment to maintaining customer access through alternative channels. Lloyds pointed to their extensive network of options, including other Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland branches, Post Office services, dedicated banking hubs, and over 30,000 PayPoint locations for cash deposits.
NatWest has similarly outlined their strategy to support customers through mobile banking units, Community Banking Hubs, Post Office partnerships, and what they describe as the largest free-to-use ATM network of any UK bank. A NatWest spokesperson stated: "We carefully assess where and when we make the difficult decision to close a branch to minimise the impact any change may have on our customers and colleagues."
Full List of Affected Branches
The closures affect communities across England, with specific locations and closure dates confirmed for both banking groups.
Lloyds Bank Branch Closures:
- Mitcham - Closed January 8, 2026
- Totnes - Closed January 8, 2026
- Gillingham (Dorset) - Closed January 8, 2026
- Ammanford - Closed January 12, 2026
- Bideford - Closed January 13, 2026
- Fleet - Closed January 13, 2026
- Chester-le-Street - Closed January 14, 2026
- Ivybridge - Closed January 14, 2026
- New Addington - Closed January 14, 2026
- Alfreton - Closed January 19, 2026
- Havant - Closed January 19, 2026
- Lewes - Closed January 19, 2026
- Swadlincote - Closed January 20, 2026
- Hedge End - Closed January 21, 2026
- Penzance - Closed January 21, 2026
- Petersfield - Closed January 21, 2026
- Hedon - Closed January 28, 2026
- Thornbury Avon - Closing February 26, 2026
- Peterlee Yoden Way - Closing March 3, 2026
- Hucknall - Closing March 4, 2026
- Liverpool Breck Rd - Closing March 4, 2026
- Brigg - Closing March 5, 2026
- Caterham - Closing March 5, 2026
- Glossop - Closing March 9, 2026
- Tunstall - Closing March 9, 2026
- Houghton le Spring - Closing March 10, 2026
- Manchester Moston - Closing March 11, 2026
- Seaton - Closing March 11, 2026
- Sleaford - Closing March 12, 2026
- Wymondham - Closing March 12, 2026
- Okehampton - Closing March 25, 2026
- Camborne - Closing October 7, 2026
- Chepstow - Closing October 7, 2026
- Ryde - Closing October 7, 2026
- Birmingham - Harborne - Closing October 8, 2026
- Deal - Closing October 8, 2026
- Totton - Closing October 10, 2026
- Gorseinon - Closing October 12, 2026
- Stamford - Closing October 13, 2026
- Stoke-on-Trent - Closing October 30, 2026
NatWest Bank Branch Closures:
- Aldershot
- Ashford (Middlesex)
- Barnet
- Boston
- Brentwood
- Eastcote
- Godalming
- Grays
- Halifax
- Harlow
- Hartlepool
- Hemel Hempstead
- Herne Bay
- Hornchurch
- Hove
- Kirkby Lonsdale
- London – Fulham Broadway
- London – Spitalfields
- London – Sydenham
- London – Tooting
- London – West End
- Loughton – Old Station Road – Sainsburys
- Manchester – Cheetham Hill
- Manchester – Chorlton
- Orpington
- Palmers Green
- Pontefract
- Sheffield – Attercliffe – Attercliffe Road
- South Shields
This substantial reduction in physical banking presence reflects the accelerating digital transformation within the financial sector, as institutions adapt to evolving consumer behaviours and technological advancements.
