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UK Banks to Close 83 Branches in May as Digital Shift Accelerates

With 171 closures already in 2025, major lenders plan to shutter 282 additional branches this year, reshaping local banking access.

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Overview

  • The UK banking sector has closed 88 branches so far in 2025, with 83 more set to shut in May, bringing the year-to-date total to 171.
  • Since 2015, banks and building societies have closed 6,293 branches, representing 63% of the network open at the start of that year.
  • Lenders including NatWest, Lloyds, TSB, Halifax, Barclays, and others are leading the closures, citing a shift towards online banking and cost-cutting measures.
  • Which? reports 282 additional closures are planned for the remainder of 2025, underscoring the pace of network contraction.
  • Alternative access models, such as Post Office partnerships, community banking hubs, and mobile units, are being expanded to address financial inclusion concerns.