Nationwide has confirmed the future of its 696 branches, becoming the UK's largest branch network as competitors continue to close their doors. The mutual, which operates branches in Birmingham, announced it will maintain its entire network until at least 2030.
Nationwide Becomes UK's Biggest Branch Network
From 4 June, Nationwide officially became the UK's largest group branch network, comprising 605 Nationwide branches and 91 Virgin Money branches. This milestone comes as other high street banks press ahead with planned closures, with more than 80 banks shutting in June alone and over 240 expected to close by the end of the year.
Commitment to In-Person Banking
In November, Britain's biggest building society pledged to keep every single branch open until at least 2030, even in locations where Nationwide and Virgin Money branches are close together. Last year, Nationwide supported 6.7 million unique branch users and accounted for 57% of all UK branch-based product openings, with branch current account sales rising by 21%.
Nationwide continues to invest in both branches and digital services to offer customers choice in how they bank. Data from the mutual shows sustained demand for in-person banking, with customers valuing the option to bank in branch, online, or over the phone.
Industry Context
While rivals are retreating from the high street, Nationwide is expanding its physical presence. The building society's commitment stands in stark contrast to the widespread closures affecting the banking sector.
Mandy Beech, Nationwide's Director of Retail Services, said: "As banks continue to close their doors and step back from the high street, Nationwide will become the UK's largest group branch network. This is a major milestone for us and reflects our belief in the value of in-person banking and the reassurance it offers our members and the communities we support. Our data shows branches are very much valued by our customers, with usage rising, and as part of our investment in giving customers real choice in how they bank – whether online, in branch or on the phone - we're proud to stand by our commitment to keep every one of our branches open until 2030."
