(Credit: George Iordanov-Nalbantov)

The guarantee includes all newly acquired Virgin Money locations, even those situated near existing Nationwide sites.

This decision contrasts sharply with the wider banking sector. According to the consumer group Which?, 6,561 bank branches have closed across the UK since January 2015 as other banks continue their closure programmes.

The building society states its commitment is supported by data showing increased branch usage and account openings throughout 2025. This trend is particularly evident in areas where Nationwide is the “last branch in town”. Since January, another 33 branches have become the last remaining bank in their community, bringing Nationwide’s total to 133 such locations across the UK.

Nationwide CEO Debbie Crosbie said: “Branches are important to our customers, to communities, and to the health of our High Streets. That’s why Nationwide will continue to keep branches open in addition to our investment in online and telephone channels.”