Nationwide overtakes major banks to have the largest branch network on high street

Nationwide Building Society’s longstanding commitment to the High Street means it now has the largest number of branches in the UK[1] - more than any other banking brand. 

Research from Britain’s biggest building society reveals around two thirds of people (63%) value their local branch, with face-to-face service given as the top reason[2]. Nationwide recently renewed its Branch Promise to not leave any town or city in which it is based until at least 2026 - in sharp contrast to mass bank closures up and down the country in recent years.  

Nationwide’s stance on branches, in tandem with significant closure programmes, means it has now surpassed even the biggest of banks on the Great British High Street.  

Debbie Crosbie, Nationwide CEO, said: “Nationwide provides the face-to-face service that people value and need. We’re the large-scale alternative to shareholder owned banks and now we have the biggest branch network too. Our branches are busy and we’re an important part of local communities.” 

Nationwide proudly marks its position with a hard-hitting new advert that sees Dominic West cast as an out-of-touch bank boss. West, who works for the fictional A.N.Y Bank, is determined to introduce cutbacks and branch closures, despite his more astute assistant, played by comedian Sunil Patel, questioning his decisions.

[Campaign photos]

Since Nationwide is member-owned, rather than being run for the benefit of shareholders, it can make choices like keeping branches open because they matter to its customers. And with 605 branches serving communities across the UK, 90 per cent of customers are only a 15-minute drive2 from a Nationwide branch.  

Nationwide’s data[3] shows that branches continue to be valued by its customers. One in four savings accounts are opened in branch[3], with account openings higher than at any point since 2015. Branches are also integral to helping people with more complex issues – between January and July, Nationwide branch staff have prevented customers from losing over £4 million to fraudsters and scammers.