TSB is also included in the announcement
Santander has contacted customers directly to inform them of its intentions regarding its branch network across the UK.
In an email received by some customers on Tuesday, it said: “We’re investing in our branches to give you more than just banking. From Work Cafés to face-to-face support, we want to keep providing greater convenience and choice in how you bank. That’s why we won’t make any further branch closures before 2028. And for those times you don’t need to visit in person, our online help and support services are here to save you time.”
The bank directed customers to further information on its website, which clarified that the commitment extended to both Santander and TSB branches, with the latter being owned by the Spanish banking giant.
It added: “There may be situations we can’t control that mean we have to close or relocate a branch. We’ll only do so if there’s no other option.”
Explaining in more detail, it said: “Banking is changing, and so are we. In July 2026, we opened our newly refurbished Canary Wharf branch, featuring the UK’s first Santander Work Cafe with a coffee machine. With 6 more planned this year, we’re delivering even better customer service and community-friendly banking.
“More than a place to bank, our Work Cafes are vibrant community spaces where banking, co-working and the local community come together. Following the opening of our largest UK Work Cafe in Oxford, we’re continuing to invest across the UK, creating more free workspaces, expert support and events.”
In July, Santander’s new boss Mahesh Aditya said he saw branches as an “important part of our strategy” when he announced the commitment, which will see the bank maintain 305 Santander and 175 TSB branches across the UK for nearly another 18 months at least. However, the pledge follows Spanish-owned Santander UK’s announcement of another wave of branch closures at the start of the year, with 44 sites earmarked to be axed, putting 291 jobs at risk.
The lending giant is also pressing ahead with cost-cutting measures across its operations as it accelerates the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, targeting savings of at least £400 million by the end of 2028 in the wake of the £2.65 billion TSB acquisition, which was completed in May.
Mr Aditya, who took over from former chief executive Mike Regnier on March 1, said at the time: “As we integrate TSB with Santander UK, our ambition for customers is to combine leading digital services with the personal support they value, helping us to create the best bank for customers in the UK.
“I see branches as an important part of our strategy and do not intend to close any additional Santander or TSB branches before 2028 at the earliest, alongside our continued commitment to invest in modernising our network and to introduce new Work Cafes.”
