At Newcastle Building Society, we're doing things differently.
Since 2015, more than 6,000 bank branches have closed across the UK, leaving many people without access to essential local financial services and making it harder for some to manage their money.
Branches play a key part in their local communities – those who visit their local high street to manage their finances will also spend their time and money there too. And a vibrant high street is the beating heart of a community, supporting local jobs, services, and helping to drive economic wellbeing.
That’s why our commitment to branches is helping to make a lasting difference in our communities.
Making financial services accessible
We believe communities need face-to-face financial services. Our multi-year, multi-million pound investment into our branch network aims to deliver convenient, local, and accessible service.
Access to cash
We’re pioneering the use of multi-bank terminals in our branches, supporting communities where banks have left town.
Restoring face-to-face financial services
We’re bucking the trend of national branch closures, thinking creatively about the future of branch services and growing our network.
Part of the community
Sharing space with local services and providing free-to-use community space creates shared value and encourages collaboration.
Access to cash
Rita Gray, General Manager at Adriano's Deli in Gosforth
See how bank branch closures in her community are impacting small businesses.
In our Gosforth and Knaresborough branches, we pioneered the use of a OneBanx multi-bank kiosk which helps to restore access to cash in communities where banks have left town.
The kiosks use Open Banking technology to allow small businesses and personal customers of any bank to deposit and withdraw cash, free of charge, from their accounts.
The kiosks in Gosforth and Knaresborough were the first to be located in a financial services provider anywhere in the world. We’re working with OneBanx to install a kiosk in our new Pickering branch.
We’re not moving out, we’re moving in: restoring face-to-face financial services
We’re bucking the national trend of bank branch closures. Our members tell us they want to be able to choose how they access their accounts and deal with their needs in a way that suits them.
That’s why we’re finding new ways to grow our branch network.
We recently announced our plan for a new branch in Pickering, restoring financial services to the community after the last bank in town announced they are closing in January 2025.
Learn more about our new branch
Part of the community
Our commitment to growing our branch network includes working with the local community to open branches in new and unexpected locations. This includes sharing community spaces with local services such as libraries, tourist information, and even community policing.
Working in partnership with YMCA North Tyneside, we opened the doors to our fifth community partnership branch in July 2024.
Building on an ongoing, long-standing relationship with the YMCA, we’re providing financial services from their vibrant community building, where we share the space with their popular services, including a gym, café, office space, and supported accommodation.
