Santander Bank Branches Closing in 2026-27 | Full List of 44 Locations and What Happens Next?

I’ve followed every major Santander announcement over the last two years, but this one hits closer to home. From Wilmslow to Woking, dozens of communities are about to lose their local branch, and for many customers, it feels like the ground is shifting beneath their feet.

The facts are now confirmed: 44 Santander bank branches will close between April 2026 and January 2027. While the bank points to digital trends as the driver, the changes will have a real impact on access, jobs, and high street presence.

Key Facts:

• Confirmed closures: 44 Santander branches between April 2026 and Jan 2027
• Why it’s happening: Santander says 96% of transactions are now digital
• What replaces them: Banking Hubs, Post Office services, and Santander Locals
• Who’s affected: Customers in 44 towns, plus 291 employees at risk of redundancy

This guide will give you the full list of affected branches, reasons behind the closures, available alternatives, and what to do next if your branch is one of those shutting down.

Why Are Santander Bank Branches Closing in 2026 and 2027?

The decision to close another 44 Santander bank branches stems primarily from customer behaviour. Santander claims that 96% of all customer transactions are now handled through digital banking, particularly mobile apps.

What has led to this shift?

Santander has observed the following trends:

The bank insists that closing physical sites is a necessary part of restructuring for a digital-first future. Yet, that explanation hasn’t comforted many customers, especially in towns that feel abandoned by major banks.

“Item on the news just now saying how ‘most customers are using online banking now.’ Yes, only because the banks have made it impossible to do anything else!” – Carole Redgrave, Facebook

Still, many feel the decision neglects those who prefer or rely on in-person service.

How Many Jobs Will Be Affected by the Santander Closures in 2026?

Santander confirmed that approximately 291 employees will be affected by the latest round of branch closures. Most of these individuals work in the 44 locations set to close, and many are facing redundancy unless suitable alternative roles can be found.

What support is being offered?

Santander has said the following will be available:

• Redeployment opportunities within other branches or departments
• Specialist outplacement support for finding new roles externally
• Wellbeing services, including a 24-hour employee helpline
• Consultations with unions, especially the Communication Workers Union

“We believe Santander UK should be doing everything it can to protect its workforce and the local economy,” said a spokesperson from the CWU.

Yet, as closures grow more frequent, there’s growing concern that local economies will suffer more than corporate bottom lines.

Which Santander Bank Branches Are Closing in 2026 and 2027?

Santander has officially confirmed the closure of 44 branches across the UK as part of a strategic overhaul of its branch network. These closures are scheduled to occur in April and May 2026, with a small number of locations closing by the end of January 2027.

The branches affected span England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and the closures affect a mix of urban and rural areas, underlining the scale and reach of Santander’s withdrawal from the high street. This move comes amid a surge in digital banking adoption and a continued decline in branch footfall.

“The closures form part of a coordinated strategy, not random decisions, meaning no branch is truly safe unless it’s already part of the long-term network.”–  Industry insight

Santander Branch Closures in England

Santander Branch Closures in Northern Ireland

Santander Branch Closures in Scotland

Santander Branch Closures in Wales

These changes reflect the bank’s drive to consolidate and modernise its branch network, focusing on digital engagement while maintaining limited in-person support through Santander Locals and Banking Hubs.

Is Your Local Santander Bank Branch Closing?

If you’re a customer of Santander, it’s wise to check your branch status even if you haven’t received a formal notification. In several cases, customers only discovered closures after noticing in-branch posters or reading discussions on local community forums and social media groups. This has caused confusion and concern, particularly in towns where branches still appear busy.

To confirm whether your local branch is affected, you can use Santander’s online branch finder, check carefully for emails or letters sent to account holders, or speak directly with staff in branch, who are often briefed before public announcements.

“Just had an email to say Santander in Wilmslow is closing. It always felt busy. I never expected it to go.” – Local resident

Even branches with strong footfall have not been spared, increasing anxiety in areas not yet listed for closure.

Which Areas Will Receive Santander Banking Hubs or Community Services?

As part of its effort to minimise disruption from the Santander bank branches’ closing, the bank has introduced plans to expand its community-based services.

While these don’t fully replicate the experience of a full-service branch, they aim to provide basic banking access to residents, particularly those who may not be comfortable banking online.

These initiatives include:

• Santander Locals: Set up in community centres or libraries and staffed by Santander representatives on specific days.
• Banking Hubs: Shared spaces run by Cash Access UK and managed through the Post Office, offering services from multiple banks.

Confirmed locations receiving alternatives:

These are pilot initiatives for now, and success in these towns could determine how widely Santander deploys such models in the future. For towns not on this list, residents may have to rely on other banks or Post Office services.

What Should You Do If Your Santander Branch Is Closing, and Is It Time to Switch Banks?

If your local Santander branch is closing, acting early will help minimise disruption. Before the doors shut, visit the branch to confirm nearby alternatives and ask staff to help you set up online or mobile banking securely.

Santander also offers services through Post Office counters and, in some areas, Community Bankers or Santander Local hubs, worth checking by postcode. If you support someone elderly or vulnerable, consider attending an appointment together or arranging assisted support to ease the transition.

For some customers, switching banks may be the better option, especially where no nearby replacement service exists or where face-to-face advice is essential. In that case, compare incentives, branch commitments, and digital quality carefully.

When Switching Might Make Sense?

• No nearby branch, hub, or convenient Post Office access
• Regular need for in-person advice (mortgages, loans, planning)
• Preference for stronger customer service and local presence

Current Switching Options (Examples)

Before deciding, compare branch availability, mobile app usability, and service quality. Some switch bonuses come from banks also reducing their branch networks, so read the details closely.

Will the Santander-TSB Merger Lead to More Bank Closures?

The proposed merger between Santander UK and TSB could lead to further bank branch closures across the UK. Santander’s £2.6 billion acquisition of TSB is designed to strengthen its position, potentially making it the UK’s third-largest retail bank with enhanced digital capabilities.

However, both banks currently operate branches in many of the same towns, creating significant overlap. With TSB running around 175 branches and serving roughly five million customers, analysts expect rationalisation once regulatory approval is granted.

This could result in additional closures and job losses during 2027–28. There is also speculation that the historic TSB brand, with over 200 years of heritage, may eventually disappear as integration progresses.

Is This the Future of High Street Banking in the UK?

Unfortunately, yes. The shift from traditional branches to online banking has accelerated in the UK, and Santander is just one of many banks adapting. The current wave of Santander branch closures is part of a wider industry transformation that shows no signs of slowing down.

Consider the following:

• Over 6,000 UK bank branches have shut down in the past decade (source: Which?)
• Two-thirds of the UK’s branch network has vanished since 2008
• Even as customer usage shifts online, vulnerable groups are often left behind
• Towns and villages risk becoming “banking deserts”, with the nearest branch miles away

While Santander and others are investing in Banking Hubs and digital support, critics argue these don’t fully compensate for the removal of trusted, staffed locations on the high street.

It’s a national issue, and one that may require government or regulatory intervention to protect accessibility for all customers.

What Does the Future Hold for Santander Customers After the Closures?

For customers, the outlook is a mixture of convenience and compromise. The rise in Santander online banking tools does make daily money management easier for many, but the lack of physical branches reduces access to key services like:

• Mortgage appointments
• Cash handling (especially for businesses)
• In-person ID checks
• Detailed financial advice

If you’re staying with Santander after the closures, you’ll likely rely on the following support:

• Mobile and online banking via the Santander app or website
• Post Office services for deposits and withdrawals
• Community Bankers or Santander Locals in your area

If your needs extend beyond these options, especially for more complex financial matters, it may be time to assess whether Santander still meets your expectations as a banking provider.

“I’ve banked with them for 20 years, but once our branch closed, I felt lost. The app is great, but it can’t replace a real conversation.” – Real customer feedback shared on social media

As the banking world continues evolving, staying informed and proactive is the best way to protect your financial access and wellbeing.

Conclusion

The 2026–27 Santander bank branch closures mark a significant turning point in UK high street banking. As digital banking continues to rise, Santander is reshaping its services with a mix of online tools, community bankers, and banking hubs.

While these changes may be disruptive for some customers, especially those who rely on in-person banking, support alternatives are being rolled out across affected areas.

I recommend checking local options and exploring digital banking if your branch is closing. This shift may feel uncertain now, but it reflects the broader transformation of how we manage money in a digital-first world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santander Bank Closures

How do I find out if my Santander branch is affected?

You can check the full list in this post or visit Santander’s website and search by your postcode.

What’s the difference between Santander Local and a full branch?

Santander Locals are smaller setups in shared community spaces, open only on specific days, offering limited services.

Can I still get in-person help from Santander?

Yes, through Community Bankers, Santander Locals, and Banking Hubs – though these may not offer the full service you’re used to.

When are the closures happening?

They’ll roll out between April 2026 and January 2027, with most happening in the spring.

Will I need to switch to Santander online banking?

Not necessarily, but using the app or web banking is encouraged. Basic services are still available at Post Offices.

What support is being offered to employees losing jobs?

Santander is offering redeployment, training, well-being support, and union consultations.

What will happen after the TSB takeover?

More closures and staff changes are expected, but specifics will depend on regulatory decisions.