NatWest to Close Five Nottinghamshire Branches as Digital Banking Usage Surges

NatWest has announced its decision to shut five branches in the area of Nottinghamshire. This change will see it move away from traditional banking altogether. The closings are expected over the coming months, with Basford being the first, in Nottingham. This move comes as the banking giant adapts to a broader trend in the financial sector where an increasing number of customers are opting for digital banking rather than traditional in-person services.

NatWest will be closing more of its branches as more and more people now use online banking. Some of the branches to close are in Nottingham, West Bridgford, Worksop, Mansfield, and Newark. This is within a national plan that has been undertaken by the bank to close 53 branches in the UK this year. NatWest will continue to support over 19 million customers by investing in digital solutions.

Recent statistics show that the number of counter transactions for personal customers has dramatically fallen, recording a 62 percent decline between October 2019 and October 2024. In contrast, mobile banking apps have grown by 53 percent over the same period. This is part of the general consumer trend, which increasingly prefers the comfort of handling its finances online.

NatWest bank, Basford (geograph )
Richard Vince / NatWest bank, Basford

The following are the branches that will be closed in Nottinghamshire:

Basford on Valley Road in Nottingham will close on May 21
Mansfield on Church Street will shut on June 26
Newark on Market Place will close on June 17
West Bridgford on Rectory Road will close on June 24
Worksop on Bridge Street will close on June 18
Long Eaton on Market Place will also close, whose closing date is May 29.


These are not just due to the reduced footfall but also in response to increasing demand for digital banking services. NatWest reported that more than 80 percent of active current account holders are now using digital services. More than 97 percent of the retail accounts are opened online by the bank, showing the trend of people opting for online banking.

According to a statement by a NatWest spokesperson: “Our customers are engaging with digital banking more than ever. And more than 80 percent of our active current account holders are now using our digital services, and over 97 percent of our retail accounts are opened online. Of course, just like any business, we need to evolve and meet changing needs and expectations, and what the industry has delivered for consumers is this shift in favor of digital services, which we have responded to by investing to expand what customers can do for themselves and to make it even more personal for them.”

Digital banking has become the trend across the industry as many customers now want to conduct their accounts management through mobile applications or online. As a result, few customers come to branches for day-to-day banking activities, and branches are closed due to less utilization of people in the location.

While NatWest is keen to enhance its digital offerings, the bank is also focused on improving customer service. The bank is looking to invest over £20 million this year in its network, with a view to improving services, enhancing the quality of its branches, and reducing the environmental impact of its operations. In addition, the bank is exploring shared solutions with the Post Office in order to ensure that customers will still be able to access basic services if the branches are closed.

This move by NatWest has generated concerns about the accessibility of this service and where in-person banking is headed. Many customers are now comfortable conducting their banking via the internet; however, a section of these customers is left behind because of their discomfort with digital platforms. The bank admitted to this trend but assured them that they are not going out of banking through other channels at the Post Office.

The closures are complemented by the current environmental initiatives from NatWest, which include the reduction of the carbon footprint of its branches. In this regard, the company will be able to build a more sustainable future. With its investment in the network, NatWest will also look at making improvements that benefit the environment and the customer experience. This is in balance with keeping up with modern banking demands and the need to focus on service quality.

It is not a phenomenon unique to NatWest. The digital banking revolution has challenged many banks in the UK, and most have responded similarly by closing branches that are no longer serving customers’ needs. While it is very convenient, digital banking does raise questions about the future of high street banking and whether the traditional banking space is becoming outdated.

As more financial services go digital, it is important for banks to find ways to ensure that all customers, including those who prefer in-person services, continue to have access to necessary banking facilities. NatWest’s shift towards a digital-first approach seems to be a response to customer demand for more flexible, accessible, and cost-effective solutions.

Looking ahead, the bank’s continued investment in digital services and its plans for branch refurbishments reflect the growing trend of technology-driven financial solutions. As customers embrace the digital era, NatWest aims to remain at the forefront of providing a seamless and personalized banking experience, even as physical branches become less central to the operation.

For those still depending on the physical branches, it is also important to remind them that digital alternatives are always there and can also use such platforms for transactions such as withdrawing cash, making bill payments, and even just performing simple banking transactions. Support and guidance to the customers for this transition process are also available in the customer service teams of the bank.

In a nutshell, the decision by NatWest to close branches in Nottinghamshire is part of an ongoing trend towards online banking, which has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Though it is a big change for the community, the bank’s investment in digital services and improved customer experiences is aimed at ensuring that its services remain accessible and effective in a rapidly changing financial landscape.

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