2<\/p>\n Santander is set to close 23 stores this monthCredit: Getty<\/p>\n They cited the reason<\/a> for the closures as customers moving increasingly online, reducing the need for in-person services.<\/p>\n A statement on its website<\/a> reads: “We last did a major review of our branches in 2021.<\/p>\n “Since then, many of our customers are choosing to use Mobile, Online and Telephone Banking more, and branches less.”<\/p>\n However, there are concerns<\/a> about the impact these closures could have on vulnerable people with limited access to online facilities.<\/p>\n Charities like Age UK are campaigning to maintain some in-person banking options, with 4 million older Britons unable to manage their finances online.<\/p>\n Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: \u201cPhysical spaces \u2013 whether a bank or building society branch, Banking Hub, or alternative suitable provision \u2013 must continue to exist so people can still carry out face-to-face tasks.<\/p>\n “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.\u201d<\/p>\n The only alternative is ‘Banking Hubs’ which have been launched to give customers access to cash and services, regardless of which bank they are with.<\/p>\n In addition to the 95 closures countrywide, Santander will also be making changes to surviving branches.<\/p>\n This includes reduced opening hours<\/a>, converting some to ‘counter-free’ businesses, and opening work cafes.<\/p>\n These ‘work cafes’ provide free co-working spaces, bookable meeting rooms and banking facilities, available to anyone, even if you aren’t a Santander customer.<\/p>\n Santander\u2019s \u00a3130 Million Recovery: What You Need to Know<\/p>\n The closures are part of a wider financial shift<\/a> in which banks are prioritising online services.<\/p>\n According to consumer group Which?<\/a>, more than 6,300 bank and building societies have closed since January 2015.<\/p>\n This averages out to 53 store closures per month.<\/p>\n 2<\/p>\n Banks have reduced in-person services as customers move onlineCredit: Getty<\/p>\n Other major banks have also made the decision to close a number of branches, with 102 set to close<\/a> across different banks this month.<\/p>\n This includes major providers like Lloyds, Natwest and Halifax, in addition to Santander’s closures.<\/p>\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/bank-customers-line-1001618982.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/two-customer-service-representatives-latin-1001619035_133d3d.jpg\")
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