NatWest and the Royal Bank of Scotland have confirmed a new wave of branch closures across the UK for 2026 and 2027, citing a sharp decline in counter transactions as customers increasingly manage their money online. The bank, part of the NatWest Group, said that usage of in-branch services has fallen by more than 60 per cent over the past five years, making many sites no longer financially viable. The full list of affected branches – 43 in 2026 and 24 in 2027 – includes locations in England and Scotland, with RBS-branded sites mainly in Scotland.
Among the branches earmarked for closure are NatWest sites in towns such as Swindon, Bath, and Wolverhampton, and RBS branches in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. The bank has stated that all affected staff will be offered alternative roles where possible. However, consumer groups have warned that the closures could hit older and less digitally confident customers hardest, particularly in rural areas where transport links are poor and internet connectivity may be unreliable.
The move comes as part of a long-term trend across the UK banking sector, with Lloyds, Barclays, and HSBC also reducing their physical footprints. According to Citizens Advice, nearly one in five UK adults still relies on cash for day-to-day spending, and many are unable or unwilling to use mobile apps. For those affected, the Post Office offers basic banking services including cash withdrawals and deposits, and many high street banks now provide free access to cash machines through the Link network.
Financial experts at MoneySavingExpert recommend that customers check whether they can switch to a digital-only bank such as Monzo or Starling, which often offer lower fees and better interest rates. Alternatively, customers can use the 'current account switch service' to move their account to another provider that still has a local branch. The bank has also committed to providing one-to-one digital skills training for vulnerable customers, and the Warm Home Discount scheme remains available to help with energy costs – though this is separate from banking support.
For low-income households, the impact of branch closures may compound existing financial pressures. Universal Credit claimants who need to pay in cash or collect banking documents may find it harder to access services. Citizens Advice advises anyone worried about the closures to contact their local office for help with alternative banking arrangements, and to consider setting up a basic bank account – which has no overdraft or monthly fees – if they do not already have one.
Households can also reduce banking costs by checking for hidden fees on current accounts and switching to a fee-free provider. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced new rules requiring banks to assess the impact of branch closures on local communities, and to provide reasonable access to cash services. If you believe your area will be left without adequate banking facilities, you can submit a complaint to the FCA or contact your local MP.