High street banking is set for a significant reduction next month, with 19 branches across the UK scheduled to close their doors in February 2026. Major lenders Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland are leading the wave of closures, which has sparked concern from charities over the impact on vulnerable individuals.
The Full List of February 2026 Bank Closures
The closures are part of a broader trend reshaping the British banking landscape. Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, has confirmed the details. Lloyds will shutter 11 locations, Halifax will close five, and Bank of Scotland will axe three branches.
Lloyds Bank Branch Closures
- Swindon – February 3
- Kendal – February 10
- Brecon – February 11
- Cranbrook – February 11
- Wadebridge – February 17
- Stow-on-the-Wold – February 17
- Brynmawr – February 17
- St Ives – February 24
- Chesham – February 24
- Liskeard – February 24
- Kenilworth – February 24
Halifax Bank Branch Closures
- Thetford – February 4
- Belfast (Castle Court) – February 4
- Kendal – February 10
- Belfast (Connswater Shopping Centre) – February 10
- Gillingham – February 11
Bank of Scotland Branch Closures
- North Berwick – February 3
- Golspie – February 4
- Linlithgow – February 18
Banking Groups Cite Digital Shift, Charities Voice Alarm
The banks attribute the closures directly to the rapid migration of customers to online and mobile banking services. A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group stated that "more than 21 million of its customers now use banking apps", emphasising the shift in consumer behaviour.
However, charities have issued stark warnings that the removal of physical branches risks isolating vulnerable people, including the elderly and those without reliable internet access, leaving them without essential banking services.
The Broader Context of UK Bank Branch Closures
This latest announcement is not an isolated incident. Data from consumer group Which? reveals a staggering decline in physical banking infrastructure across the nation. Since January 2015, banks and building societies have closed 6,660 branches.
Looking ahead, 2026 is already scheduled to see a total of 71 branch closures across various banking brands, indicating this trend is far from over.
Alternative Banking Options for Customers
For customers affected by these closures, Lloyds Banking Group highlights several alternative ways to manage everyday banking. Customers of Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland can use any branch across the three brands for counter services.
Additionally, the Post Office network offers a vital lifeline, allowing customers to perform basic tasks such as paying in cash and cheques, making withdrawals, and checking account balances.
The rollout of "banking hubs"—shared spaces on the high street where multiple banks offer services—provides another community-focused option. Customers are advised to check if one is operational in their local area.
For cash deposits, the group notes that customers can use over 30,000 PayPoint locations nationwide. A bank spokesperson concluded: "We’re providing more choice than ever before, bringing together the best in digital convenience with our people."
