Here’s the latest on Santander UK's branch closures based on recent reporting.
Santander announced closures of 44 branches in January 2026, putting about 291 jobs at risk. They said the move is in response to a continued shift to digital banking, with 96% of transactions now online, and that they will replace those branches with “community bankers” in local Santander Local stores or banking hubs. This reduces the UK branch network but keeps a presence in communities through alternative formats. [Source: BBC, Sky, Independent articles cited in coverage from late January 2026][1][4][9]
This follows a prior round in March 2025 when 95 branches were closed, affecting around 750 jobs, bringing the total to a much smaller footprint than a few years earlier. Santander described ongoing digital growth and discussions with unions as part of the restructuring, with the network further adjusted toward digital channels and new formats. [Source: Independent and BBC coverage of 2025-03 and 2026-01 milestones][2][3]
Net effect: Santander UK’s full-service branches have diminished, with ongoing plans to optimize the remaining network (including a mix of full-service branches, counter-free sites, reduced-hours sites, work cafes, and Local formats) while continuing to invest in digital services. For customers who prefer in-person service, the bank is steering toward community-focused alternatives and non-branch channels. [Source: multiple 2025–2026 coverage notes and Santander statements][3][6][1]
Quick context for you in Chicago, IL (your location is noted): UK branch closures are not directly related to U.S. operations, but if you have UK connections or accounts, you should check the latest official Santander UK updates or local branch notices for the most current lists and timings.[9]
If you’d like, I can pull a concise, location-based list of affected Santander UK branches from the latest announcements and provide contact options or alternatives (online banking, post office access, and “community banker” arrangements) to help you assess impact.[9]
Santander is set to close 44 of its bank branches across the UK, putting 291 jobs at risk. Santander plans to introduce 'community bankers' who will operate from Santander Local stores or banking hubs to maintain a presence in local communities. The bank said it will continue to invest in both its remaining branch network and its digital banking services to support customers.
www.independent.co.ukSantander has announced plans to close 44 bank branches, placing almost 300 jobs at risk.
news.sky.comThe high-street lender is the latest to announce a swathe of branch closures.
www.bbc.co.ukIn 2025, the bank shut 95 branches across the UK
www.which.co.ukSantander will shut at least 95 branches in 2025, over one fifth of its entire UK network. Martin Lewis' MSE News has the full list of closures, plus your banking alternatives.
www.moneysavingexpert.comSantander will cut its network to just 305 branches following the closures
moneyweek.comThe bank hopes to redeploy many of the staff affected as the industry moves to get more customers banking on digital platforms.
news.sky.comSantander has confirmed it will shut 58 of its branches across the UK in 2026 and 2027 – adding 44 branches to the list today (Thursday 29 January). Below we list which branches are disappearing and what the alternatives are if you'd still like face-to-face banking.
www.moneysavingexpert.comBranches will be closing across the UK – check if your nearest is included
www.independent.co.uk