THOUSANDS of customers face having their bank branch close within weeks as 32 locations are set to shut forever.
The closures come as major high street banks opt to transition more of their banking services online.
Halifax, Lloyds Bank and NatWest all plan to close some of their branches this month
Data from the UK’s largest cash machine network, LINK, keeps track of any planned branch closures across the UK.
NatWest will bring down the shutters on 16 branches of its branches this month and Lloyds Bank will shut close 13 outlets.
Halifax will also close three of its bank branches before the end of January.
Typically if there are no banks in a town, you should be able to do some basic banking at your local Post Office.
Many banks also offer a mobile banking service.
This is where your bank brings a bus to your local area that has the services that are usually available at your branch.
You should call up your bank to see if it runs a banking bus and they will be able to tell you where and when it will be parked.
Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.
Here is a full list of the 32 bank branches that are going to close along with the date they are planning on pulling down the shutters.
Halifax closures
Birmingham – January 25Coleraine – January 10Leeds – January 12
Lloyds Bank closures
Bishop’s Waltham – January 24Caldicot – January 16Cheddar – January 9Cinderford – January 9Cleobury Mortimer – January 12Helston – January 24Holyhead – January 23Llandrindod Wells – January 16Looe – January 25Pwllheli – January 12Slaithwaite – January 26Wallingford – January 23Welshpool – January 26
NatWest closures
Aberdeen – January 18Ayr – January 12Beeston – January 25Berkhamstead – January 25Broadstone – January 12Bromsgrove – January 31Cheltenham – January 26Coventry – January 19Croydon – January 17Dundee – January 10Edinburgh – January 24Glasgow – January 26Lewes – January 11London – January 24London (WC1V) – January 10Market Harborough – January 11
We’ve also listed all the bank branches closing in 2023 – including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and NatWest.
What bank has the most branches?
If you prefer to do your banking in a branch, then it’s getting increasingly difficult.
Despite closures, there may be a local one near you that you’d prefer to visit.
For example, Lloyds Banking Group still operates more than 1,400 branches across the country across its Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands.
How do I switch bank account?
It’s easy to switch your bank account using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
You don’t have to remember to move direct debits over when moving as it does this everything for you.
All you have to do is apply for the new account you want and the new bank will let your existing provider know you’re moving.
There are some steps you can take before switching though, such as choosing your switch date, or organising transferring your old bank statements to your new account.
To get your old statements you should get in touch with your bank.
How to find the best bank accounts
Don’t waste time looking at individual banking sites – it’ll take you an eternity.
Research websites like MoneyFacts.co.uk and price comparison websites such as Compare the Market, Go Compare and MoneySupermarket will help save you time and show you the best rates available.
These sites let you tailor your searches to an account type that suits you.