Customers who prefer face-to-face banking are being hit once more by further closures by major high street banks. UK high streets have seen a significant decline in bank branches, with many closing their doors. Among them is Lloyds, with the bank announcing closures in August.
With more customers switching to online banking, physical bank branches are becoming increasingly rare. High street banks say that bank branch closures are the result of changing customer habits, with most people managing their accounts, transfers and payments using digital services like apps. Lloyds is just one of the UK banks that will be shutting some of its branches in the coming month.
In total, Lloyds Banking Group has announced 79 new branch closures, 74 of which will close in 2026 and five in 2027. The latest wave includes 48 Halifax branches and 31 Lloyds branches.
This means that Lloyds Banking Group will close a total of 232 branches in 2026, plus 13 in 2027, reports consumer magazine Which?
Lloyds says it is continuing to invest in face-to-face banking, and all existing branches have now been opened up to all Lloyds Banking Group customers – so any Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland customer can use any of its branches.
A spokesperson for Lloyds said: “Customers want the freedom to bank in the way that works for them and we offer more choice and ways to manage money than ever before.
“From our leading apps and 24/7 messaging service to local banking options like our community bankers, PayPoint and access to all of our Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland branches, we’re giving our customers the flexibility to bank wherever and whenever they need us.
Bristol – Fishponds – Fishponds Road – Morrisons: 06/08/2026