NatWest, one of the largest banks in the UK, has announced plans to close an additional 23 branches this year, bringing the total number of closures to 66.

NatWest

The closures, which will take place between April and June, result from the growing trend of customers shifting towards online and mobile banking.

The bank has already closed 13 branches this month, and the remaining closures will take place across the country, including locations such as Southampton, Blackpool, London, Stroud, Fleet, and Torquay.

To support customers who may still require face-to-face banking services, NatWest operates mobile branches at various locations throughout the year.

These mobile branches can be used for basic services such as making deposits, paying bills, and withdrawing cash.

In addition, the bank also works with other UK banks to open shared banking hubs on a set day each week, where customers can access similar services.

A NatWest spokesperson said:

“As with many industries, most customers are shifting to mobile and online banking because it is faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.”

“However, we recognize that digital solutions are not right for everyone or every situation and that when we close branches, we have to ensure that no one is left behind.”

The news of NatWest’s closures comes just days after Lloyds and Halifax announced that they would shut 40 branches this year, in addition to the 14 that have already been earmarked for closure.

TSB is also planning to shut nine branches, and HSBC has announced plans to close 114 branches, or around a quarter of its total sites, in 2023.

Customers can find their nearest mobile branch or banking hub on the NatWest website or access certain facilities at Post Office branches.