Nationwide has announced a renewed commitment to maintain its entire branch network through to 2030, ensuring all 696 Nationwide and Virgin Money branches remain open for at least the next five years.
The decision extends its existing Branch Promise by two years and comes as other major banks continue widespread branch closures across the UK.
The move means branches will stay open even in areas where Nationwide and Virgin Money locations overlap, a commitment that contrasts sharply with the broader banking sector’s withdrawal from the high street.
Data from consumer group Which? shows that 6,561 bank branches have closed since January 2015, the largest wave of closures in UK history.
Nationwide said its commitment is designed to protect access to essential banking services, particularly for vulnerable customers such as older people and those in rural areas.
The society’s own data shows rising demand for in-person banking, with an 11% increase in branch usage in the 12 months to September.
During the same period, current account openings through branches rose 28%, and savings account openings climbed 31%.
ATM usage also increased by 5%, with non-Nationwide customer usage up 17%.
Dame Debbie Crosbie DBE, group chief executive at Nationwide, said: “Our customers can be confident that they can bank with us whichever way they choose.
“Branches are important to our customers, to communities, and to the health of our High Streets.
“That’s why Nationwide will continue to keep branches open in addition to our investment in online and telephone channels.”
Nationwide now operates the UK’s largest single-brand banking network, with 605 branches, and when combined with Virgin Money’s 91 branches, the total network reaches 696.
Since January, another 33 Nationwide sites have become the ‘last branch in town’ following local closures by other banks.
The society now holds that position in 133 towns and villages, where it has seen current account openings rise by 29% and ATM usage up by 25% year-on-year.
The branch commitment also supports wider community initiatives through Nationwide’s Fairer Futures programme.
These include dementia clinics run by Admiral Nurses from Dementia UK, digital skills lessons, and Safe Spaces for those affected by domestic abuse.
Virgin Money branches are also contributing to digital inclusion by offering free mobile data through the National Databank to anyone facing data poverty.
Nationwide’s strategy continues to combine physical accessibility with digital innovation, as app usage rose by 12.8% year-on-year.
