NatWest has closed its Cromer branch on January 27, with plans to shut down six additional locations in the coming months. This follows a shift in customer banking habits toward digital services, prompting the bank to optimize its physical footprint.
Upcoming Branch Closures
The bank anticipates closing branches in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Evesham, Launceston, Portishead, and Torquay, though exact dates remain pending confirmation. The Market Drayton branch will close on March 4, 2026.
NatWest emphasizes adapting to modern banking trends while supporting affected customers. A spokesperson stated, “The way people bank with us has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services as customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank.”
To address the transition, the bank is reaching out to impacted individuals, particularly vulnerable customers and frequent branch visitors. The spokesperson added, “While we respond to that demand, we recognise our responsibility to provide customers who feel less able to make use of these services with support for the change. That’s why we are communicating with our customers affected by the closure and proactively contacting vulnerable customers and regular branch users. We must review our branches and make sure they are in locations where customers use them most.”
Recent Closures in 2025
In 2025, NatWest closed 49 branches across the UK, including:
- Abingdon
- Acocks Green, Birmingham
- Bicester
- Bridgwater
- Bridport
- Canton, Cardiff
- Chippenham
- Cirencester
- Cwmbran & District
- Dorchester
- Edgbaston
- Ely
- Fishponds, Bristol
- Garstang
- Halesowen
- Hinckley
- Honiton
- Kettering
- Leagrave, Luton
- Leicester
- Melton Mowbray
- Leighton Buzzard
- Llangefni
- Llanishen, Cardiff
- Louth
- Lowestoft
- Melton Mowbray
- Midsomer Norton
- Mold
- Neath
- Newmarket
- Northampton Weston Favell
- Oadby
- Paignton
- Rayleigh
- Redditch
- Ringwood
- Romsey, Hants
- Royal Leamington Spa
- Shirley, Solihull
- Smethwick
- Stevenage Queensway
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Sudbury
- Trowbridge
- Wellingborough
- Wickford
- Willerby & Kirk Ella
- Wisbech Market Place
- Yate
Financial Performance Boost
NatWest Group reported a 30% increase in earnings for the third quarter, driven by higher income and cost-cutting measures. The group, encompassing Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, achieved a pre-tax operating profit of £2.2 billion for July to September. Shares rose after the announcement, outperforming rivals Lloyds and Barclays amid ongoing challenges in the sector.
