Santander is closing 140 bank branches: are you affected?

Banking and Borrowing

Updated on 24 January 2019 | 0 Comments

We reveal the full list of Santander branches set to close and explain what you can do if your local is among them.

Santander has announced it will shut a staggering 140 bank branches, accounting for almost a fifth of its current network.

The banking giant claimed that an increase in phone and online transactions, coupled with a 23% reduction in branch transactions over the last three years, were the reasons for branches shutting their doors.

The banks due to close are those visited least frequently or those deemed near enough to another branch that customers can travel the extra distance.

Santander says 614 banks will remain open and customers will also have access to banking services at one of 11,000 Post Offices across the country.

Branch closures on the rise

The story of banks looking to save money by closing branches is nothing new – figures from Which? show an average of 60 bank branches disappearing from the high street every month.

Online banks such as Starling and Monzo are also presenting a challenge to high street giants.

Gareth Shaw, Head of Which? Money, is keen to emphasise the importance of physical branches.

"While online banking is on the rise, a third of the country still does not use it and, as we've seen from a recent spate of IT failures, such systems are not infallible.

"Despite the switch to digital ways of banking and paying, millions of consumers still need access to cash. It is vital for a regulator to be given responsibility for ensuring that people have access to the services they rely on." 

What to do if your branch is closing

Firstly, check the list below to see if your local branch is affected.

If so, perhaps the most obvious thing to do is to switch to a bank that still wants to operate in your area – some banks will even pay you up to £150 for joining them.

You can take a look at some rival offers in our current account best buy tables.

Another option is to start banking at a nearby Post Office.

In truth, they offer a limited number of financial services

You can pay money into your account, check your balance and withdraw cash, but for anything else, you’ll have to travel to your nearest branch.

If you really aren’t keen on changing, now might be a good time to sign up for online banking or download the mobile banking app, which is often easier to use and can be a quick way to monitor your finances.

Read our full guide for what to do when your bank closes here.

Santander branches set to close

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