Some major UK banking giants are closing a number of branches this month as the rise of online banking continues to take its toll on the . In the latest blow to Santender, , Lloyds and Halifax will close a further 62 stores this month.
and Halifax will collectively shut 14 branches across the UK in June as part of a major restructuring scheme in response to declining footfall. Also among the closures are 25 NatWest sites and 23 Santander branches. The decision reflects a broader trend across the banking sector where more and more customers opt for online banking causing a decline in footfall at physical branches.
To justify their closures Lloyd Banking Group pointed out that over-the-counter transactions had fallen by 48% over the last five years resulting in store closures.
A spokesperson for the group, which is set to have only 756 branches after the latest round of closures, a drop from over 2,000 a decade ago, said: "Most customers are now using our mobile banking app, internet banking or calling us instead. This means they are using branches less."
Halifax will close nine bank branches between today, June 2 and June 5, marking the latest phase in the bank's ongoing review of its branch network. Meanwhile, six NatWest sites will pull their shutters down for good this week.
A Halifax spokesman said: "Over 20 million customers are using our apps for on-demand access to their money, and customers have more choice and flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking."
The string of closures affect branches across the UK including: south Wales, Devon, Manchester, south London and Scotland.
Full list of Santender, NatWest, Lloyds and Halifax branches closing this month:Lloyds
Halifax
NatWest
Santander