Santander announced in March that it will be closing 95 of its branches across the UK as more customers are moving to online banking.  A total of 23 banks will shut their doors this month, with 10 closing as soon as next week. The remaining 13 will close the following week, and in July, it is reported that 37 more of the bank's sites will be removed from the high street.

A statement on the bank's website reads: "We did a major review of our branches in 2021. Since then, many of our customers are choosing to use Mobile, Online, and Telephone Banking more, and branches less." The closures have been met with concerns for older customers who prefer to do their banking in an actual branch, with charity Age UK campaigning for banks to keep some banking services in person, as four million older Brits struggle to manage their finances online.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "Physical spaces - whether a bank or building society, Banking Hub, or alternative suitable provision - must continue to exist so people can still carry out face-to-face tasks.

"The disappearance of face-to-face banking risks cutting a significant minority of the older population out of an essential service, making it difficult if not impossible for them to manage their money and maintain their independence."

To tackle the problem, 73 banking hubs have been set up across the nation, where customers from any bank can use in-person service.

A further 35 Santander banks are scheduled to close towards the end of the year. As well as the closures, the bank will also be making changes to the branches that are remain open. Opening hours will be cut in half, and some branches will even become "counter-free". 

The reduced hours will come into effect on June 30, with 36 branches impacted.

Admist all closures, the bank will be opening work cafes to provide free co-working spaces and banking facilities to anyone, regardless of whether they bank with Santander.