Overview
- Commonwealth Bank announced on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 that it will keep hundreds of regional branches open until at least December 2030, covering about 281 offices and roughly 3,000 regional staff.
- CBA’s leadership vowed to continue broad support for cash even as use falls, citing Reserve Bank data that weekly cash use dropped from 97% of Australians in 2007 to about 50% in 2025.
- The bank unveiled a A$140 million program to upgrade branch layouts and technology with the stated goals of cutting wait times and improving in‑person service.
- CBA stressed its national footprint — more than 600 branches and about 1,700 ATMs — and confirmed an Australia Post partnership through 2032 that adds access at about 3,300 additional locations.
- The decision mirrors moves by rivals, gives immediate certainty to regional communities and staff, and signals how banks plan to balance declining branch visits with ongoing demand for face‑to‑face banking.