The erosion of banks from the high street is set to continue with Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Royal Bank of Scotland announcing a wave of closures over the next month.
The banking giants are set to close dozens of branches throughout February as they continue to alter the way in which they interact with customers.
The news will leave thousands of customers with no access to physical banking, with many branches set to close within a fortnight.
Data from the British Banking Association (BBA) from 1986 to 2012 and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) from 2012 to 2023 highlights that the number of bank branches in operation in the UK dropped from 14,689 in 1986 to 5,745 in 2023.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has advised those who are set to see their local branch close of the measures they can take to limit the impact.
His website said: “As of January 2025, Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland customers can use branches across any of the three banks for everyday banking, such as making cash deposits, withdrawals and paying in cheques,” before warning that there is no guarantee that these sites will not also close.
The website added: “Community bankers will have a dedicated office space in a local venue.
“You can chat to them in private and they can offer support with account enquiries, but they don’t offer cash or counter services.
“Check if a community banker is visiting your area and whether you’ll need to book an appointment on the Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland websites.”
The financial guru also noted that people who require cash withdrawals can also use Post Offices to withdraw money and make deposits.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced measures to limit the impact of branch closures by making sure institutions do not close locations without ensuring access to physical banking services remain in place.
But with more than 6,000 banks and building societies having closed since 2015, consumer champion Which? has warned the country is experiencing a “seismic shift” in banking habits.
Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money, said: “This milestone of more than 6,000 bank branch closures in just nine years underscores the seismic shift that has taken place in terms of our banking habits and the character of the British high street.
“While some may hardly notice the closure of their local branch as they seamlessly switch to online banking, for others reliant on face-to-face services, the impact can be disastrous.
“It’s not about halting closures altogether, but ensuring that essential banking services remain accessible to those who still rely on them. It is crucial that the government prioritises opening more hubs quickly, so that people aren’t left behind.”
