A major bank is preparing to close dozens of its branches next month in another major blow to Britain's high streets.
Santander has previously unveiled plans to shutter 26 sites in May 2026 as part of a larger round of bank branch closures throughout the year.
With the rise of online banking and changes in consumer behaviour, bank branch closures have become the norm in recent years.
Research conducted by consumer champion Which? found that more than 6,000 branches were closed by major banks and building societies between 2015 and 2024.
Santander is closing dozens of branches next month
| GETTYIn early 2026, Santander announced its intention to wind down operations at 44 sites nationwide, with four closing down in January.
At the time, the Spanish banking giant noted that an extra 40 branches would be scrapped by the end of May.
According to Santander, this business decision was made due to customers opting to use the bank's app and website to manage their money.
Furthermore, the high street staple claimed that 96 per cent of customer transactions were now being conducted through digital platforms.
Bank branch closures are continuing at an 'alarming rate', according to Which? | GETTY LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
More Britons are opting to bank online
| GETTYHere is a full list of Santander bank branches closing down in May 2026:
- Andover, Hampshire – May 12
- Banbridge, County Down – May 19
- Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan – May 12
- Cwmbran, Gwent – May 13
- Enniskillen, County Fermanagh – May 12
- Glengormley, County Antrim – May 6
- Golders Green, London – May 13
- Gosport, Hampshire – May 5
- Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire – May 5
- Heswall, Merseyside – May 13
- Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire – May 5
- Leyland, Lancashire – May 6
- Liskeard, Cornwall – May 20
- Macclesfield, Cheshire – May 12
- Mansfield, Nottinghamshire – May 6
- Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan – May 6
- Newton Abbot, Devon – May 19
- Northallerton, North Yorkshire – May 6
- Pontefract, West Yorkshire – May 5
- Redditch, Worcestershire – May 13
- Ringwood, Hampshire – May 6
- Shirley, West Midlands – May 20
- Stafford, Staffordshire – May 19
- Stranraer, Wigtownshire – May 13
- Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire – May 12
- Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire – May 5.
Is your local Santander branch closing down?
| PAAlastair Douglas, CEO of TotallyMoney, shared: "Banks have a duty of care to support their customers, and even though digital services are becoming increasingly popular, the real concern is for the elderly and vulnerable, many of whom rely on both cash and real-life support.
"If you’re worried about your branch closing, then visit your bank's website - they'll have details about the closest available branch, or local banking hubs. Now might also be a good time to think about switching to a different provider.
"Loyalty doesn’t pay, but six banks are offering up to £250 for you to switch, with added bonuses of cashback, zero per cent overdrafts, and inflation-beating savings accounts.
"And moving might be easier than you think – with the Current Account Switch Service automatically shifting your regular payments and balance within seven working days."