Santander and NatWest are set to close a combined total of 17 bank branches this week, delivering a significant blow to thousands of customers who rely on in-person banking services. The closures reflect a broader industry trend as major financial institutions continue to pivot towards digital banking.
Why Are the Branches Closing?
A Santander spokesperson explained: “In response to a continuing and sizeable shift towards customers using digital banking, we are making changes to our branches to better support customers. We will continue to invest in both our branch network – comprising of full-service branches, counter-free branches, reduced-hour branches, Santander Locals, and our increasingly popular Work Cafés – as well as our digital banking services, so we can be there to support our customers however they choose to bank with us.”
NatWest also confirmed it would continue to provide support to communities affected by the closures, stating that “there is more demand for mobile and online services.”
Full List of NatWest and Santander Branches Closing This Week
NatWest Closures
- Ashford (Middlesex) – May 12
- Barnet – May 11
- Brentwood – May 13
- Eastcote – May 11
- Hartlepool – May 14
- Manchester, Cheetham Hill – May 12
- Portishead – May 12
Santander Closures
- Andover – May 12
- Bridgend – May 12
- Cwmbran – May 13
- Enniskillen – May 12
- London, Golders Green – May 13
- Heswall – May 13
- Macclesfield – May 12
- Redditch – May 13
- Stranraer – May 13
- Stratford-upon-Avon – May 12
Santander Completes TSB Acquisition
The latest closures come after Santander completed its acquisition of TSB on 30 April 2026. The all-cash transaction, worth £2.65 billion, will contribute to a target increase in Santander UK’s return on tangible equity to 16% by 2028, with estimated cost synergies of at least £400 million. The deal makes Santander UK the third largest bank in the UK by personal current account balances and number four in mortgages.
There is no immediate change for either Santander UK or TSB customers, and they can continue to use their products, accounts and cards in the same way. Combined, the two banks serve nearly 28 million retail and business customers nationwide. The acquisition allows Santander UK to better support these customers through increased investment in innovative products, its digital offering, as well as new and improved branch formats across the UK.
