Santander is slashing opening hours at hundreds of branches!

It will be reducing its opening hours on weekdays and weekends at hundreds of branches throughout the UK¹ for walk-in customers who do not have a pre-booked appointment.

The adjustments will most likely affect small company owners who cash in their receipts at bank branches at the end of each working day and those who work full-time during the week and visit on Saturdays. 

According to Santander, corporate users will be able to deposit and withdraw cash via external ATMs that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Santander stated that it has made the decision due to low customer use and added that it would increase capacity for telephone banking.  

The decision comes as banking organisations have announced branch closures throughout the nation.

With HSBC revealing plans to remove 69 locations across the UK between July and October and NatWest Group confirming plans to close 32 NatWest and RBS offices between May and July.

Santander last closed branches in August, when 111 branches were closed. London serves as the location of Santander's headquarters.

NOTE: SovereignBoss is an impartial and unconnected third-party information provider via this website, and the details provided in this commentary represent the opinions of SovereignBoss only and may not reflect the views or opinions of Santander. This article must not be interpreted as advice, nor is it a solicitation to conduct transactions in any financial product provided by Santander.

How Santander branch hours will change beginning July 18th 2022

On weekdays beginning July 18th, 2022:

The bulk (446) of Santander's 450 UK branches will now only be open for walk-ins from 9:30am to 3pm, down from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

If you need to visit one of these branches between 3pm and 5pm during the week, you must have a pre-booked appointment.

Only four branches will maintain their present weekday hours:

• Basingstoke will be open from 9:30am to 7pm.
• Gateshead Metro will be open from 10am to 6pm.
• Sheffield Meadowhall will be open from 10:30am to 7:30pm.
• The Work Café in Leeds will be open from 9am to 4pm.

On weekends:

• 316 UK branches will only be open for walk-ins from 9:30am to 12:30pm
• On Saturdays, 58 branches will stay closed.
• If you need to visit the branch between 12pm and 4pm, you must make an appointment.
• 76 branches will remain open on Saturdays from 9:30am until 12:30pm.

You May Still Bank With Santander Online or Use Post Office Services

If you wish to switch to online or mobile banking, Santander provides a step-by-step tutorial on getting started and utilising its online banking service.

If you cannot visit a Santander bank within the revised time restrictions, you can deposit and withdraw funds at any of the Post Office's 11,500 locations.²

Customers can also check their balance and pay in cheques at the Post Office. 

Consider Transferring Banks

If you need access to a branch later in the day, consider transferring to a different bank, but remember to double-check operating hours.

If having branches that stay open for extended hours is essential to you, consider transferring to a different bank.

But make sure you verify the branch's opening hours nearest to you first. 

Also, bear in mind that whichever bank you choose will not close or reduce the hours of its branches in the future.

Among the banks with branches that now provide switching incentives are the following:

Halifax

Halifax is providing £125 to new clients who transfer to the Halifax Reward program, along with monthly prizes.

You can receive £5 in cash, a Vue cinema ticket, two RakutenTV movie rentals, or three digital magazines (such as Cosmopolitan or Men's Health). 

To obtain it all and keep the account free, you must put in £1,500+ per month and either spend £500+ per month or retain £5,000+ in the budget.³

You should decide which of these you will do ahead of time, as your decision is locked for a year.

HSBC

HSBC presently provides £175 in free cash to new customers who convert to the HSBC Advance.⁴

You also have access to a linked 1% regular saver, where you may save up to £250 every month.⁵

There is no minimum monthly payment required to keep the account open, but you must deposit £1,500 or more once to receive the bonus.

Nationwide

Existing customers who switch to Nationwide FlexDirect⁶ will receive £125.

In contrast, new customers will receive £100 (but we have a simple way for anyone to receive the increased £125 - the link contains complete details).

Unless you have previously had this account, in which case you will only qualify for a 0.25% in-credit interest and no 0% overdraft.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

With more banks adjusting their opening hours, it is the perfect time to use the reward programmes available from Halifax, HSBC, and Nationwide, and secure yourself some extra cash in the process.

Whatever move you make, always first contact your financial advisor.

In the end, Santander slashing opening hours at hundreds of branches should not impact you negatively 1857.⁷

The features mentioned and the amounts raised, are subject to the lender’s criteria, terms and conditions. These may take into account the age, health and lifestyle factors in order to provide an enhanced amount.