Barclays issues major update on bank closures after shuttering 1,236 locations in last decade
BARCLAYS has issued a major update on its bank branch closure plans after shutting 1,236 sites over the past 10 years.
The banking giant has pledged not to announce any additional branch closures in 2025 or 2026.
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Barclays' boss, CS Venkatakrishnan, made the promise at the bank's annual general meeting on Wednesday.
When questioned about future plans, Venkat stated clearly: "We don't have any plans to announce further bank branch closures in 2025 or 2026."
While this is good news for now, Barclays hasn't ruled out the possibility of closures in the future.
Chairman Nigel Higgins said that the bank hadn't made any decisions beyond the 2026 timeframe, saying: "We want to see how the current branch strategy plays out."
Like other major banks, Barclays has been shutting branches as more customers move to online banking.
However, this has raised concerns that older and more vulnerable customers could be left behind.
Over the past ten years, more than 6,300 bank branches have closed across the country, according to consumer group Which?.
Barclays has been responsible for the largest number of these closures, shutting 1,236 branches.
Its recent promise to halt further closures follows similar moves by HSBC and Nationwide Building Society.
HSBC said last August that it would not close any more branches until at least 2026.
This commitment, which extends a previous pledge to avoid new closures in 2024, aims to maintain its 327-branch network and invest over £50 million in improving existing branch locations.
Meanwhile, Nationwide has vowed to keep all of its branches open until at least 2028, extending its previous commitment from 2026.
What's happening at other banks?
Customers are increasingly turning to online banking to manage their finances while banks and building societies look for ways to cut costs.
Since 2022, UK bank branches have seen widespread closures, with Barclays leading the way with 397, followed by Lloyds Bank (308), NatWest (256), and Halifax (203), according to ATM operator LINK.
Looking ahead from May 2025, Santander has the most planned closures (95), significantly more than Halifax (60) Lloyds Bank (59), NatWest (41) and Bank of Scotland (25).
What to do if your local bank is set to close
There are still a number of ways people can access basic banking services without having to venture to another town with a branch.
You can use one of the Post Office's 11,684 branches to perform basic banking tasks — but not to open new bank accounts or take personal loans and mortgages.
You can find your nearest Post Office branch by visiting postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder.
Meanwhile, many banks offer a mobile banking service - where they bring a bus to your area offering services you can usually get at a physical branch.
Other banks use buildings such as village halls or libraries to offer mobile banking services.
It's worth contacting your bank to see what mobile services they have available, and when they might next be in your area.
New super ATMs are being rolled out across the UK where branch closures have left residents unable to access essential banking services.
These ATMs will allow customers to withdraw funds, access their balance, change PIN numbers and deposit cash.
Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank are already signed up to allow deposits, at the super ATMs.
Banking hubs are also being opened across the UK with 250 set to be available by the end of 2025.
These sites typically feature a counter service operated by the Post Office as standard, enabling customers to conduct routine banking transactions conveniently.
Each hub also has a private area where customers can consult with staff representing their banks for more complex matters.
What services do banking hubs offer?
BANKING hubs offer a range of services to bridge the gap left by the closure of local branches.
Operated by the Post Office, these hubs allow customers to perform routine transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and balance enquiries.
Each hub also features private booths where customers can discuss more complex banking matters with staff from their respective banks.
Staff from different banks are available on a rotational basis, ensuring that customers have access to a wide range of banking services throughout the week.
Additionally, customers can receive advice and support on various financial products and services, including loans, mortgages, and savings accounts.
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