NatWest to Close 53 Branches Across the UK as Online Banking Grows

Accrington: NatWest is making some big changes this year. They’re closing 53 branches across the UK, and it’s all because more folks are banking online. It’s a trend that’s been growing, and NatWest is just the latest to jump on board.

Since 2015, we’ve seen a ton of bank branches shut down—over 6,200! That’s about 53 branches every month. It’s wild how quickly things are changing. NatWest, which serves around 19 million customers, is leading the charge with the most closures among UK banks.

A spokesperson from NatWest mentioned that over 80% of their customers are using digital services now. They’re really pushing to meet the needs of their customers by investing in online services. But not everyone is thrilled about this shift.

Some customers and charities are worried, especially for older people who might struggle with online banking. Caroline Abrahams from Age UK pointed out that many older folks still prefer face-to-face banking. She’s concerned that these closures will make it tough for them to manage their finances.

So, while NatWest is moving forward with their digital plans, it’s clear that there are some serious concerns about accessibility for those who aren’t ready to go fully online. It’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out in the coming months.