HSBC to close 69 branches across the UK – here's the full list and what to do about it

The lender blames the move on more customers embracing online banking, which it says has accelerated since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The move may also impact customers of First Direct, which is part of the HSBC Group, as these customers can use HSBC branches to pay in cheques.

HSBC is one of many banks to announce high street branch closures in recent months, with NatWest Group shutting 32 of its NatWest and RBS branches between May and July this year and TSB closing 70 outlets later this year. Lloyds Banking Group also announced in October 2021 that it would close 41 Lloyds Bank branches and seven Halifax branches between January and April this year.

If you're unhappy about local branch closures and are thinking of switching to a different bank as a result, see our Best Bank Accounts guide for the top alternatives. 

You can still bank online with HSBC or use Post Office services

If you want to switch to banking online, on the app, or over the phone, HSBC has a step-by-step guide on how to set up either mobile and app banking or phone banking.

HSBC added that it will also introduce a broader range of local support, including self-deposit and withdrawal cash machines, digital support for customers and a continued partnership with the Post Office network.

Under the latter scheme, HSBC customers can deposit and withdraw money from any of the Post Office's 11,500 branches. The Post Office also enables customers to check their balance and pay in cheques. Use the Post Office's branch finder tool to locate your nearest one.

If you need branch access and your HSBC outlet is closing, consider switching

If you no longer want to stay with HSBC (or you don't have a Post Office close by), you might want to consider switching to a bank that does have a local branch nearby – although bear in mind there's no guarantee that too won't close. 

Banks with branches that currently have switching incentives include the following: 

• NatWest Reward and RBS Reward is offering 

  new and existing customers £150 to switch, plus up to £36 a year cashback on top.

   You can't have had switching cash from NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank since October 2017, and you must be switching a non-NatWest account if switching to NatWest or a non-RBS account if switching to RBS.

• Nationwide - get up to £125 for switching. Nationwide FlexDirect is offering existing customers £125 and newbies £100 (though there is a trick to get the full £125 - click on this link for how to do it). You can't have had the bonus before and you must set up two or more direct debits to be eligible.

See our Best Bank Accounts guide for the full details, including any minimum pay-ins, direct debits and other measures required to qualify for the bonuses.  

Here's the full list of HSBC branches closing:

The table below has the complete list of the 69 HSBC branches shutting: