Nationwide’s Opening Hours Shake-Up
Nationwide, the UK’s largest building society, is set to revise the opening hours of 12 of its high street branches starting April 14. This move will see several branches shifting their midweek closure days to different points in the week, impacting customers’ banking routines.
While these adjustments do not indicate branch closures, they reflect a growing trend among financial institutions to adapt their in-person banking services in response to changing customer behaviors.
Which Nationwide Branches Are Affected?
Among the 12 branches affected by the changes, the adjustments vary from location to location. Here’s a closer look at some of the key modifications:
Bangor, Wales
- Current Schedule: Closed on Wednesday
- New Schedule: Closed on Friday
- Updated Operating Hours: Open Monday to Thursday, 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Reigate, Surrey
- Current Schedule: Closed on Wednesday and Thursday
- New Schedule: Closed on Monday and Wednesday
- Updated Operating Hours: Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Kendal, Cumbria
- Current Schedule: Closed on Wednesday and Friday
- New Schedule: Closed on Monday and Friday
- Updated Operating Hours: Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 AM – 4:30 PM
The remaining branches will have similar adjustments, ensuring customers can still access services on different days of the week.
Nationwide’s Commitment to Branch Services
Despite these changes, Nationwide has reassured its customers that it remains committed to its promise of keeping all its existing branches open until at least the start of 2028. This assurance comes at a time when many high street banks are reducing physical locations in favor of digital banking.
A spokesperson from Nationwide addressed the upcoming changes, stating:
“We remain committed to our branch promise that everywhere we have a branch, we will remain until at least the start of 2028.”
Banking Industry Trends: A Shift to Digital Services
Nationwide’s announcement follows a broader trend of banks restructuring their services to reflect the growing shift towards digital transactions. Several high street banks have been cutting branch hours or closing locations entirely due to reduced footfall.
Santander’s Drastic Opening Hour Cuts
Santander recently announced it would be reducing opening hours at 36 of its branches while also closing 95 locations across the UK. These changes include:
- Cutting hours from Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 3 PM
- Reducing opening days to just three days a week for affected branches
- Transitioning 18 locations to counter-free service desks
Similarly, other major banks, including Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest, have also reduced in-person banking services in response to declining demand.
What Can Customers Do If Their Local Bank Closes or Changes Hours?
As banks continue to reduce branch access, customers may need to explore alternative ways to manage their finances. Fortunately, several options are available:
Banking at the Post Office
The Post Office offers a range of banking services across its 11,684 branches in the UK. Customers can:
- Check balances
- Withdraw and deposit cash
- Pay bills
To find the nearest Post Office, visit postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder.
Mobile Banking Services
Several banks operate mobile banking units—buses that visit specific locations to provide services typically available at a branch. These services include:
- Making deposits
- Speaking to banking advisors
- Carrying out routine transactions
Customers can contact their bank to check when a mobile unit will be available in their area.
Super ATMs
A growing number of super ATMs are being introduced in areas affected by branch closures. These machines offer more than just cash withdrawals and include:
- Cash deposits
- PIN changes
- Balance inquiries
Banks such as Barclays, Lloyds, Halifax, and NatWest are already using these advanced ATMs to provide better accessibility to customers.
Banking Hubs
In response to widespread branch closures, the UK government has backed the introduction of banking hubs. These shared facilities allow multiple banks to operate from the same location, ensuring communities continue to have access to essential financial services.
- 250 banking hubs are expected to be in place by the end of 2025.
Why Are Banks Cutting Back on Physical Branches?
Several factors contribute to banks reducing opening hours or closing locations, including:
Declining Foot Traffic
As more customers embrace online banking, branch visits have significantly declined. With the rise of digital transactions, fewer people rely on face-to-face banking.
Cost-Cutting Measures
Maintaining physical branches is expensive, and banks are under pressure to reduce operational costs. By cutting back on hours, they can save money without completely shutting down locations.
Rise of Digital Banking
Mobile banking apps and online services now allow customers to perform most transactions without visiting a branch. From transferring money to applying for loans, digital banking continues to dominate.
Final Thoughts: A Changing Banking Landscape
Nationwide’s decision to modify branch opening hours reflects a growing shift in the banking industry, where institutions are adapting to the digital age. While the changes may inconvenience some customers, Nationwide remains committed to keeping its branches open until at least 2028—something many of its competitors have not promised.
For those affected by banking changes, alternative services like Post Office banking, mobile banking units, and super ATMs provide solutions to ensure access to essential financial services remains available.
As the financial industry continues to evolve, customers may need to stay informed about their bank’s services and explore new ways to manage their finances efficiently.
Banking hubs, run by the Post Office, provide essential services to communities affected by local branch closures. These hubs allow customers to carry out everyday transactions such as cash deposits, withdrawals, and balance inquiries with ease.
Each hub also includes private consultation areas where customers can seek assistance with more complex banking matters from representatives of their respective banks. To ensure broad access to services, bank staff are available on a rotating schedule, offering guidance on loans, mortgages, and savings accounts throughout the week.
