THE Eastleigh branch of NatWest will close early next year, one of 43 across the country in the latest move to transition its banking services online.

Customers will have to travel the 5.32 miles to Southampton's Above Bar if they wish to access a branch of the bank after February 16, 2023. 

The UK’s second biggest lender said the vast majority of its retail banking services can be done digitally and it is the quicker and easier way to bank.

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NatWest said average counter transactions at the Southampton Road branch had shrunk by 66 per cent in just three years, between January 2019 and January 2022.

It was used regularly by no personal customers and 99 business customers in 2021.

Just six jobs are expected to be put at risk across the country as part of the closures, indicating most branch staff will be offered the opportunity to take up a role in another part of the business.

NatWest said it will contact its vulnerable customers to provide support following the announcement.

The group acknowledged some customers might be worried by the closure of their local branch, particularly if they are uncomfortable or unable to use online banking, but it will ensure “no-one is left behind”.

A NatWest spokesperson said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking because it is faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.

“We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no-one is left behind.

“We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”

Several high street banks have said customers are ditching local branches in favour of mobile banking, which is why they have shut their little-used banks.

NatWest stressed it has a helpline to guide customers through setting up online and mobile services, with a shorter waiting time for the over-60s.

It also has a partnership with the Post Office so people can access cash and face-to-face banking services.

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