In a significant shift signaling the future of banking in Britain, Santander UK has announced it will halve the opening hours at 36 of its branches, following its decision to shut down 95 branches across the country. The move comes as the bank responds to the continued rise in digital banking and a dramatic drop in footfall at physical locations.
The change will not only affect customers’ access to in-person services but also places hundreds of jobs at risk—highlighting the broader transformation underway in the UK banking sector.
Reduced Branch Hours: What’s Changing?
Starting later this year, 36 Santander branches will cut their current six-day weekly schedule in half, operating just three days a week. The branches will adopt one of two alternating timetables:
- Schedule A: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
- Schedule B: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Additionally, one branch will operate on just Tuesdays and Thursdays, a rare move that signals a highly localized strategy.
This adjustment is seen as part of Santander’s wider effort to balance the needs of digital-first customers with the essential demand for in-person services—especially for those who still rely on traditional banking methods.
Branch Closures Across the UK: 95 Sites to Shut Down
The reduction in hours follows the bank’s larger announcement to permanently close 95 branches across the UK, which could put around 750 jobs at risk. Santander says the closures are based on detailed customer usage analysis, identifying locations with the lowest footfall and highest digital migration.
A bank spokesperson stated, “We are reshaping our branch network to ensure it is fit for the future while remaining accessible to customers.”
Despite the cuts, Santander reassures customers that 93% of the UK population will still live within 10 miles of a branch.
Why Is Santander Making These Changes?
The bank cites a major shift in customer behavior since 2019 as the driving force behind the decision. Here’s what the numbers show:
- Digital transactions have surged by 63%
- In-branch financial transactions have dropped by 61%
This stark contrast reveals that more customers are turning to mobile apps, online platforms, and automated services to manage their finances—reducing the need for physical visits.
Santander, like other major UK banks, is investing heavily in its digital infrastructure, aiming to enhance user experience while reducing overhead costs associated with maintaining underused branches.
How Will This Affect Customers?
For many customers—especially elderly individuals or those without internet access—the reduction in branch access may pose challenges. To address this, Santander is offering alternative services, including:
- Post Office Banking: Customers can continue to deposit and withdraw cash and perform basic transactions at over 11,500 Post Office branches nationwide.
- Mobile and Online Banking: Santander’s digital platforms offer 24/7 account access, mobile cheque deposits, fund transfers, bill payments, and more.
- Community Bankers: In areas where branches are closing, Santander is introducing Community Bankers—mobile professionals who offer face-to-face support by appointment in local venues.
These changes aim to ensure that no customer is left behind, even as the bank modernizes its operations.
A Growing Industry Trend
Santander is not alone in this strategic shift. Other high street banks, including Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, Barclays, and NatWest, have all announced similar closures and service reductions in recent years.
As digital banking becomes the new normal, physical branch networks are being streamlined. While this may be more efficient, it raises ongoing concerns about financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas and underserved communities.
Is This the Future of Banking in the UK?
Industry experts believe that we’re witnessing a permanent transformation in how banks operate. Brick-and-mortar branches are no longer the primary access point for most customers. Instead, banks are:
- Investing in AI and digital support tools
- Launching educational programs to improve digital literacy
- Shifting resources toward cybersecurity and app development
Still, many argue that branches serve more than just transactional purposes—they’re vital for community engagement, fraud prevention, and assisting vulnerable customers.
Conclusion
Santander’s decision to cut opening hours at 36 UK branches and close 95 more highlights the ongoing evolution of modern banking. As customer behavior continues to shift toward digital channels, banks are adapting their strategies to stay competitive and efficient.
While this change brings undeniable benefits in terms of convenience and cost savings, it also underscores the need for balanced access—ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital banking revolution.
If you bank with Santander, now is the time to:
- Familiarize yourself with online and mobile services
- Explore Post Office banking options
- Check whether your local branch is affected by closures or reduced hours
