High street banking giant NatWest has confirmed plans to close six more of its branches across the UK, a move that follows the recent shutdown of its Cromer location on January 27, 2026. This latest announcement underscores the ongoing transformation within the retail banking sector as institutions increasingly pivot towards digital and mobile services.
Responding to Changing Customer Habits
A spokesperson for NatWest, which operates numerous branches including several in Birmingham, explained the rationale behind the closures. "The way people bank with us has changed dramatically in recent years," they stated. "There is an increased demand for mobile and online services, as customers benefit from a faster and easier way to manage their finances."
The bank emphasised that while adapting to this digital shift, it recognises a responsibility to support customers who may find the transition challenging. "We are communicating directly with customers affected by these closures and are proactively contacting vulnerable customers and regular branch users," the spokesperson added. "It is essential we review our branch network to ensure our physical locations are situated where they are used most frequently by our customer base."
Full List of Upcoming Closures
The six branches scheduled for closure, with specific dates yet to be finalised for most, are located in:
- Ashby-de-la-Zouch
- Evesham
- Launceston
- Portishead
- Torquay
The branch in Market Drayton is confirmed to close on March 4, 2026.
This news follows a significant wave of closures throughout 2025, during which NatWest shut down 49 branches. The extensive list of towns and cities affected last year includes locations such as Abingdon, Acocks Green in Birmingham, Bicester, Bridgwater, Cardiff (Canton and Llanishen), Cirencester, Dorchester, Kettering, Leicester, Luton, Northampton, Redditch, Stratford-upon-Avon, and many others across England and Wales.
Financial Performance Context
The branch closure strategy coincides with a period of robust financial performance for NatWest Group. The banking conglomerate, which also encompasses Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, recently reported a substantial 30% surge in earnings for the third quarter. This growth was driven by increased income and a continued focus on reducing business costs.
The group announced a pre-tax operating profit of £2.2 billion for the period from July to September. This positive update provided a lift to the company's share price and presented a contrast to some rival banks, such as Lloyds and Barclays, which have faced challenges related to the car finance sector.
The ongoing restructuring of its physical network appears to be part of a broader strategic effort to align operational costs with evolving customer behaviour, even as the bank enjoys strong profitability.
