In one of the most significant changes to its UK operations in recent years, Santander Bank has confirmed that 76 of its branches will shut down in 2025, starting from June. The decision has been met with mixed reactions from customers, communities, and employees, as it marks another major step toward the digital transformation of banking. The closures are part of Santander’s effort to modernize its services and respond to changing customer behavior. According to the bank, more than 80% of transactions are now carried out digitally, with fewer people visiting branches for day-to-day banking.
For many long-time customers, especially the elderly and those in rural areas, the closure announcement is worrying. However, Santander insists it will continue providing support through Community Bankers, Post Office banking services, and its expanded digital platforms. The bank also aims to reassure customers that 93% of the UK population will still be within 10 miles of a branch after the closures.
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Understanding Why Santander Is Closing Its Branches
Santander says its decision stems from a clear and measurable decline in in-person banking visits. In just a few years, mobile app usage among its customers has nearly doubled, while in-branch visits have dropped by almost half. Maintaining a vast branch network has become expensive, especially as more customers prefer the convenience of 24/7 mobile banking. In its official statement, the bank explained that it wants to create a “smaller, smarter branch network” that still provides local coverage but operates in a more sustainable way. This includes reducing hours in certain branches, introducing counter-free formats, and converting some branches into community-focused hubs known as “Work Cafés.” These Work Cafés will offer banking assistance along with spaces for people to work, socialize, and even attend small business events blending the traditional role of a bank with modern flexibility.
Santander 2025 Closure Overview and Key Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Confirmed Closures | 76 branches |
| Additional Branches Under Review | 18 (dates pending) |
| Reduced-Hours Branches | 36 (from June 30, 2025) |
| Closure Start Date | June 2025 |
| Remaining Network Format | Full-service, reduced hours, counter-free, and Work Cafés |
| Jobs at Risk | Approximately 700-750 under consultation |
| Customer Coverage Guarantee | 93% of the UK within 10 miles of a branch |
| Support Strategy | Community Bankers, Post Office partnerships, and digital assistance |
This table, sourced from Santander UK’s official release, highlights the scale and strategy behind the closure program.
Which Branches Are Closing in 2025?
The closures will take place gradually from June to August 2025, affecting branches across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Among the confirmed closures are branches in Aberdare, Arbroath, Armagh, Brixton, Croydon, and Bognor Regis. Each of these will officially stop operations on specific dates, while another 18 branches, including Bexhill, Dover, and Ilkley, are currently awaiting closure confirmation.
For many communities, these closures mean customers will need to travel further or rely on Post Office services for essential banking. However, Santander claims that these decisions were made only after careful analysis of local branch usage, ensuring that nearby access remains available for most customers.
Reduced Hours and Counter-Free Branches, What’s Changing?
From June 30, 2025, 36 Santander branches will move to a reduced-hours model, meaning they will only open three days a week either Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Meanwhile, 18 more branches will become counter-free, operating with a mix of self-service technology and staff assistance.
The goal behind this move is to keep the brand present in local communities while saving costs in areas where customer traffic is low. These branches will still allow customers to withdraw cash, deposit cheques, and get personal help but they’ll do it in a modern, tech-supported way that fits current banking habits.
How Santander Plans to Support Customers and Staff
Santander has acknowledged that hundreds of staff members may be affected by the closures, with early estimates suggesting that up to 750 employees could face job changes or redundancies. The bank says it is working closely with unions and aims to redeploy as many staff as possible within other departments or roles, including positions in customer support and digital assistance.
For customers, Santander’s focus is on ensuring continuity. Its Community Bankers will visit local areas affected by closures to offer help and guidance, especially to those unfamiliar with online banking. Additionally, partnerships with Cash Access UK and Post Office branches will make sure that cash withdrawal, deposit, and payment services remain accessible across the UK, even in small towns and rural regions.
What Should Customers Do Now?
If your local Santander branch is on the closure list or set to operate under new hours, it’s important to prepare ahead of time. Make sure you have access to online and mobile banking by setting up your login and familiarizing yourself with the app. Customers should also confirm whether their local Post Office can handle their regular banking needs, including deposits, withdrawals, and balance checks.
To make this process easier, Santander recommends visiting its official branch locator tool to check if your branch is affected and to explore the closest available alternatives. Being proactive now will help you avoid last-minute disruptions once closures begin in June.
The Bigger Picture, A Changing Banking Landscape
Santander’s decision reflects a wider trend across the UK banking sector. Other major banks such as Lloyds, NatWest, and Barclays have also been scaling back their branch networks in recent years, as digital adoption continues to rise. The traditional role of the bank branch is being replaced with online convenience and smart technology.
While this transformation brings efficiency and accessibility, it also raises concerns about older customers and those in digitally underserved areas. The challenge for banks now is finding the right balance keeping enough in-person support while embracing innovation that customers increasingly expect.
FAQs
- Why is Santander closing so many branches?
Santander is adapting to declining foot traffic and a rise in online banking. Most customers now prefer digital services, making many physical branches unsustainable. - Will my local branch definitely close?
You can check the full closure list on the official Santander UK site. Closures start from June 2025. - What if my branch changes its hours or goes counter-free?
You’ll still be able to access most banking services, though some transactions may work differently. Staff and machines will help guide you through new procedures. - Are jobs being lost because of this?
Yes, up to 750 jobs are potentially at risk, but Santander says it will redeploy as many staff as possible through internal opportunities. - Can I still do face-to-face banking after closures?
Yes. Santander will have Community Bankers in affected areas, and many Post Offices will continue offering full-service banking for customers.
