Overview
- Closures began on September 1 with Cwmbran and Wisbech, followed by Leicester and Rayleigh on September 2 and further sites this week including Halesowen, Bristol (Fishponds) and Llangefni.
- Multiple outlets list 26 NatWest branches closing in September, with additional locations scheduled into October and some reports citing 49 closures over the coming weeks.
- NatWest says more than 80% of active current‑account holders use its digital services and over 97% of retail accounts are opened online.
- Customers are being directed to alternatives such as Post Office counters, mobile banking units and enhanced ATMs for basic services, though some tasks still require a branch.
- The cuts continue a years‑long contraction of bank networks, with Which? reporting thousands of closures since 2015 and separate schedules showing Halifax and Lloyds shutting sites this month.