TL;DR - Last reviewed 17 June 2026
NatWest is continuing its branch closure programme in 2026. Under FCA rules, banks must give customers at least 12 weeks notice and carry out a community impact assessment before closing any branch. Customers without nearby alternatives can use the Post Office for basic transactions.
KEY FACTS
- The FCA requires banks to give a minimum of 12 weeks notice before closing a branch.
- Banks must publish a community impact assessment before any closure and respond to significant objections.
- Basic banking transactions including cash deposits and withdrawals can be carried out at Post Office counters.
- Banking hubs, operated by Cash Access UK, provide shared counter services in areas with no remaining branch.
- The Access to Cash rules require banks to assess the impact of closures on cash access in the local area.
Which NatWest Branches Are Closing?
NatWest Group announces branch closures on a rolling basis on its website. The current closure list, including closing dates and the nearest alternative branch or banking hub, is published at natwest.com. The list is updated as new closure decisions are confirmed.
NatWest is required by FCA guidance to publish this information and cannot close a branch without completing the required community impact assessment process.
What Are Your Rights When a Branch Closes?
The FCA published strengthened branch closure guidance in 2023 requiring firms to give customers at least 12 weeks advance notice of any closure. During this period the bank must carry out and publish a community impact assessment evaluating how the closure affects local access to banking services, particularly for vulnerable and elderly customers.
If a significant number of customers object or the impact assessment reveals serious access concerns, the bank must consider alternatives including reduced hours, mobile banking vans or support for a local banking hub.
Post Office Banking
All NatWest personal and business customers can use Post Office counters to carry out basic transactions. This includes cash deposits and withdrawals, balance enquiries and cheque deposits. The Post Office network covers over 11,500 locations across the UK, often in areas where bank branches have closed.
The service is free at the point of use for standard transactions. Limits may apply to single-visit cash deposits for business accounts.
Banking Hubs
Cash Access UK operates a growing network of banking hubs in towns identified as having inadequate access to banking services following closures. A banking hub provides shared counter services staffed by the Post Office, with each participating bank providing a dedicated representative on a rotating basis.
LINK, the UK cash machine network, assesses communities for banking hub eligibility following branch closures. Hubs are not opened automatically but require a referral through the LINK assessment process.
Switching to Another Bank
If a NatWest branch closure significantly affects your access to services, you can switch to another bank using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) within seven working days with no disruption to direct debits or standing orders. The switching service is free and guaranteed under the Current Account Switch Guarantee.
Challenger banks and building societies including Nationwide, which has committed to keeping all its branches open until 2028, may offer alternatives for customers who prefer in-branch banking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must NatWest give before closing a branch?
Under FCA guidance, NatWest must give customers a minimum of 12 weeks notice before the closure date. This must include written notification to regular branch users.
Can I stop a NatWest branch from closing?
You cannot prevent a closure, but you can submit a formal objection during the community impact assessment period. If objections are significant, the bank is required to consider alternatives. Contact your local MP and the FCA if you believe the process has not been followed correctly.
What happens to my account if my branch closes?
Your account continues as normal. Branch closure does not affect the terms, interest rates or features of your account. You retain full access through online banking, the NatWest app, telephone banking and Post Office counter services.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Branch closure lists and opening dates change regularly. Check the NatWest website directly for the current confirmed closure schedule. The FCA supervises bank branch closure processes; concerns about process compliance can be reported to the FCA.
Sources
- FCA - Branch and ATM closures guidance (fca.org.uk)
- NatWest Group - Branch closure announcements (natwest.com)
- Cash Access UK - Banking Hubs (cashaccessuk.co.uk)
- Post Office - Banking services (postoffice.co.uk)
- LINK - Community access to cash assessments (link.co.uk)
- Current Account Switch Service - Switching guarantee (currentaccountswitch.co.uk)
