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Santander has confirmed plans to close 44 branches across the United Kingdom, marking another significant shift in the banking landscape as customers increasingly move towards digital services. The Spanish-owned bank's decision will affect locations from Cornwall to County Antrim, with closures beginning in late April 2026.
The latest round of Santander closures puts 291 jobs at risk and reduces the bank's physical presence to 305 locations nationwide. This represents one in eight of Santander's current 349 branches. The announcement comes as Santander prepares for its £2.6 billion takeover of TSB, which could lead to further consolidation across the combined network.
According to Santander, 96% of its transactions are now completed digitally, reflecting a fundamental change in how customers prefer to bank. Whilst this trend towards online and mobile banking offers convenience for many, it raises concerns about access to in-person services for elderly and vulnerable customers who may struggle with digital platforms.
The Santander branch closures affect communities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Most closures will take place between late April and mid-May 2026, with four branches closing by the end of January 2027.
Notable closures include branches in market towns such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Newbury, and Stafford, alongside coastal locations like Whitehaven and Liskeard. Northern Ireland will see five closures, including Banbridge, Bangor, and Enniskillen. Scottish customers in Kirkintilloch and Stranraer will also be affected.
The full list reveals a pattern of closures in smaller towns and suburbs where Santander likely faces lower footfall and increased operating costs. Major cities appear largely unaffected in this round, though the Golders Green branch in north London is amongst those scheduled to close.
For customers affected by the Santander closures 2026, the bank has pledged to maintain service through alternative channels. Where branches close, Santander representatives will operate from nearby banking hubs or "Santander Locals" – locations within libraries and community centres offering weekly support.
Banking hubs, funded by major high street banks and run by Cash Access UK, allow customers from multiple banks to access services in one location. However, the rollout of these hubs has been slower than anticipated, creating concerns about "banking deserts" in some regions.
Santander's remaining network will include full-service branches, counter-free locations, reduced-hour branches, and work cafés designed to meet diverse customer needs. The bank emphasises its commitment to supporting customers "however they choose to bank," whether through physical locations or digital services.
Santander is far from alone in reducing its physical presence. Last year, the bank announced plans to close 95 branches affecting 750 workers. Lloyds Banking Group is closing over 100 branches by March 2026, continuing a trend that has reshaped British high streets for years.
Ministers have criticised these closures, particularly their impact on cash access for vulnerable groups. However, banks argue that changing customer behaviour makes many branches commercially unviable. The shift to digital banking has accelerated since the pandemic, with younger customers particularly embracing app-based services.
Interestingly, Nationwide Building Society has bucked the trend by pledging to keep all 696 remaining branches open until at least 2030. The society reports rising customer visits, suggesting continued demand for face-to-face banking services amongst its membership base.
The Santander closures come as the bank awaits regulatory approval for its TSB acquisition. Once completed, this deal will create Britain's third-largest retail bank by personal current account deposits, behind Lloyds and NatWest.
The merger raises questions about potential overlap between Santander and TSB's combined 520 branches. Industry observers anticipate further closures once the takeover completes, though Santander has not yet announced specific plans pending regulatory clearance.
The bank also faces financial pressures from the motor finance scandal, having already set aside £295 million for potential compensation payments to car loan customers.
If your local Santander branch appears on the closure list, consider these steps:
Santander will contact vulnerable customers by telephone to discuss alternative banking arrangements. The bank encourages all affected customers to explore its digital banking options or identify the nearest remaining branch or banking hub.
For those uncomfortable with online banking, Santander Locals offer face-to-face support once weekly, whilst Post Office branches can handle basic banking transactions for Santander customers.
The Santander closures 2026 reflect broader changes reshaping British banking. Whilst digital services offer undeniable convenience, ensuring no one is left behind remains crucial. As branch networks shrink, the success of banking hubs and alternative service points will prove vital in maintaining access for all customers.
The coming months will reveal whether Santander's approach successfully balances efficiency with customer service, particularly for those who value or require in-person banking support.