Full list of 45 NatWest branches closing in UK in 2025

Dozens of banks are closing this year (Picture: EPA)

NatWest, a 57-year-old UK bank with more than 19million customers, will close dozens of branches this year.

NatWest Group, which also owns Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed 1,431 branches since January 2015.

This includes 48 branches that shuttered last year, following 20 in 2023.

At least 53 will follow suit this year – next month alone, 25 will have the shutters pulled down one last time.

The company has said the closures are part of a wider drive to focus on digital banking services.

Many people, such as older or disabled customers or small business owners, rely on local banks.

Rural areas may have poor broadband or mobile phone signal, meaning people can struggle to access online services.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) watchdog says that banks and building societies shutting down branches must ensure people in the local community can still access their money.

Banks need to open ATMs or open banking hubs at Post Offices if gaps are found. Basic banking services can be carried out at a Post Office.

This comes as Britain moves towards a cashless society, as businesses stop letting people pay with cash and only offer cards as an option.

By 2026, cash is expected to account for only 21% of purchases.

Campaigners warn this is especially damaging to homeless people, as people increasingly have no money on them.

Cutting banks can impact rural communities and older people, consumer watchdog Which? says (Picture: 2025 Nathan Stirk)

NatWest said: ‘Our customers are using digital banking more than ever before – over 80% of our active current account holders now use our digital services and over 97% of retail accounts with us are now opened online.

‘Like any business, we strive to meet our customers’ changing needs and expectations and we’ve been responding to the industry-wide shift towards digital services by investing to broaden what customers can do themselves and to offer them greater personalisation.

‘We are also significantly investing in refreshing our network – we expect to invest in excess of £20m in our network across the UK in 2025 to improve customer service, enhance the look and feel of our branches, and reduce the environmental impact of our buildings, as well as continuing to invest in shared solutions like the Post Office and Banking Hubs.’

This article was first published on January 24.

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