Santander has announced plans to close 40 high street branches across the country by the end of May, marking a significant step in its ongoing transition towards digital banking services. This latest round of closures follows four branches that were shut in January, bringing the total number of planned closures for 2026 to 44.
Changing Customer Behaviour Drives Closures
The bank stated that the decision reflects a major shift in customer behaviour, with an overwhelming 96% of transactions now conducted online or through mobile platforms. This digital migration has reduced footfall in physical branches, prompting Santander to streamline its network.
Job Losses and Wider Restructuring
Santander has warned that 291 jobs are at risk as a result of these closures. These cuts come less than a year after the bank announced it would close 95 branches in March 2025, a move that affected 750 employees. Last July, Santander's then UK chief executive Mike Regnier revealed that around 2,000 jobs had been lost in the previous year as part of a broader restructuring effort, indicating that further redundancies might well be likely in the future.
Alternative Banking Services
To mitigate the impact on customers, Santander has reassured that services will continue through alternative channels. The bank plans to offer support via 'community bankers' at Santander Local stores or shared banking hubs, which are designed to provide assistance in areas affected by branch closures.
List of Branches Closing in April and May 2026
Branches closing in April 2026:
- Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland – April 28
- Boston, Lincolnshire – April 28
- Evesham, Worcestershire – April 28
- Mold, Clwyd – April 28
- Ramsgate, Kent – April 28
- Woking, Surrey – April 28
- Bangor, County Down – April 29
- Bridgwater, Somerset – April 29
- Kirkintilloch, Lanarkshire – April 29
- Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire – April 29
- Newbury, Berkshire – April 29
- Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire – April 29
- Tonbridge, Kent – April 29
Branches closing in May 2026:
- Bishop Auckland, County Durham – May 5
- Gosport, Hampshire – May 5
- Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire – May 5
- Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire – May 5
- Pontefract, West Yorkshire – May 5
- Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire – May 5
- Glengormley, County Antrim – May 6
- Leyland, Lancashire – May 6
- Mansfield, Nottinghamshire – May 6
- Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan – May 6
- Northallerton, North Yorkshire – May 6
- Ringwood, Hampshire – May 6
- Andover, Hampshire – May 12
- Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan – May 12
- Enniskillen, County Fermanagh – May 12
- Macclesfield, Cheshire – May 12
- Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire – May 12
- Cwmbran, Gwent – May 13
- Golders Green, London – May 13
- Heswall, Merseyside – May 13
- Redditch, Worcestershire – May 13
- Stranraer, Wigtownshire – May 13
- Newton Abbot, Devon – May 19
- Stafford, Staffordshire – May 19
- Banbridge, County Down – May 19
- Liskeard, Cornwall – May 20
- Shirley, West Midlands – May 20
Advice for Customers
Customers are advised to check with their local branches for any specific services or to explore Santander's online and mobile banking options ahead of the closures. This proactive approach can help ensure a smooth transition as the bank continues to adapt to the evolving financial landscape.
