A slew of bank branches are set to close in 2026 as major high street names move towards online and app banking services for customers. However, concerns have been shared for older Brits and those with additional needs, who might need in-person access to their cash. Lloyds and Halifax are among the UK banks that are slashing the number of in-person branches they will have across the country.
This year will see 40 Lloyd's branches closing across the UK. Additionally, numerous Halifax branches will close, with 14 earmarked to shut in 2026. The banking group has said the decision was spurred on by customers' choice to use apps and online banking more than in-person services. In lieu of physical branches, customers of Lloyd's Banking Group (which includes Halifax) can bank at more than 11,000 Post Office branches or banking hubs and use telephone banking. This comes after a wave of closures in 2025, which saw 432 branches shut their doors for good in the UK.
The Halifax branches that will shut this year are:
Meanwhile, the Lloyd's branches that are set to close in 2026 are:
Last year, 101 Halifax branches closed, along with 93 Lloyd's branches. Additionally, NatWest shut 105 branches, Santander shut 95, and Bank of Scotland shut 24.
At its peak, Lloyd's Banking Group operated between 2,300 and 2,700 branches. However, it was recently revealed that customer habits have changed, with 21million people now managing their finances through apps and digital platforms rather than visiting physical branches.
These are not the only bank branches set to close this year, as the number of physical branches in the UK continues to drop. Santander is closing 18 of its bank branches across the UK this year.
However, Nationwide is pledging to keep a certain number open for customers. It recently promised to keep all 605 Nationwide branches open on UK high streets until at least the start of 2030.
