There are now more banking hubs than Barclays branches

In the past two decades, the face of the high street has changed drastically.

One of the biggest shifts has been major banks closing branches, claiming that more customers are now happy to undertake transactions online.

With many last branches in towns closing across Britain, banking hubs have arrived to step in and help keep a face-to-face experience for those who want it.

Recently, the first two banking hubs – located in Rochford, Essex and Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire – celebrated their fifth birthday.

The idea is banks share the space, with an adviser from each being available typically one day a week, taking it in turns.

They allow customers from various major banks to deposit and withdraw cash, pay bills, and meet with community bankers, funded by Cash Access UK – the organisation set up to protect access to cash across the UK, funded by most major banks.

Now there are 236 of these banking hubs across the country, with the number set to reach 250 by the end of 2026.

Stepping in: Banking hubs have stepped in where branches have disappeared with more than 2m withdrawals from them last year

There are a further 276 recommended locations and such is their rapid growth, they now outnumber some of the big banking boys, including Barclays, now at just 206 branches.

Barclays may have closed too many too quickly though, suggesting last month it may start to reopen some.

Gareth Oakley, chief executive of Cash Access UK, said: ‘It’s hard to believe that it’s five years since those first two hubs opened and to reflect now on what has been achieved.

‘At the end of last year we opened our 200th in Billericay and we’re on track to open the 250th later this year.

‘Whether it’s a banking hub or a deposit machine – which readily and easily allow businesses to bank cash – they’re making a huge difference. ‘

Acton is the most used hub

An average of 167 transactions take place every day across banking hubs, with nearly one million customer transactions every month supported through hubs and wider cash services.

According to a survey, seven in 10 Britons are now aware of banking hubs.

The most popular service used by personal customers is withdrawals with 2,059,721 in 2025 and by businesses is deposits 334,941 last year.

Cash Access UK says customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive – nine in 10 customers would recommend their local banking hub.

Meanwhile, 95 per cent of customers’ cash and banking needs were met in the banking hub.

According to data from Cash Access UK, the busiest hub is Acton, West London, with 450 transactions per day.

Vip Varsani, banking hub operator in Acton, told This is Money: ‘The banking hub was needed following bank closures in the area.

‘It wasn’t easy for everyone to travel to Ealing or Chiswick, so the banking hub is crucial and helps the whole community.

‘We’ve been open for over three years now and we’re getting busier and busier.’

Busiest banking hub: Acton, in West London, is undertaking more than 400 transactions per day on average

Where next for banking hubs?

The Government has committed to opening 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament alongside the FCA’s Access to Cash regulations introduced in 2024, which legally require designated banks and building societies to assess and fill gaps in local cash access.

Mr Oakley adds: ‘We may be using less cash overall as a country, but it’s still important for millions of people and businesses.

‘We will continue to provide the solutions people need for as long as they need them.’

Here is the list of hubs recommended but not yet open:

Ashby-de-la-Zouch

Wymondham

Mumbles

Pembroke Dock

Launceston

Sandbach

Thatcham

Oxted

Havant

Torquay

Grangemouth

Harborne

Hawick

Gorseinon

Ryde

Stamford

Totton

Buxton

Camborne

Chepstow

Deal

Leighton Buzzard

Ormskirk

Whitehaven

Wilmslow

Godalming

Herne Bay

Sydenham

Clevedon

Didcot

Armthorpe

Ebbw Vale

Heswall

Hinckley

Honiton

Mexborough

Newmarket

Ringwood

Skelmersdale

Longton

Street

Wednesbury

What are banking hubs?

Banking hubs are shared spaces on the high street that look and feel like a traditional bank branch but can serve nearly all banking customers under one roof. 

Each hub offers:

A counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday.

A community banker service where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated banking issues. A different bank is available each day on rotation.

Cash Access UK has also launched a new innovative Cash Service in Ripley this month. 

Similarly to a banking hub, customers of all major banks can easily access everyday cash services in a shared space.

A member of the Cash Access UK team is also on hand at the Ripley service to provide support to customers on banking queries as well as signpost and connect customers to the most appropriate support from their bank.

Cash is still important to millions of people in the UK. Between 5 and 6million adults say they rely on cash in their day-to-day lives. Digital or online solutions don’t yet work for everyone all the time.

Mr Oakley adds: ‘While there has been a significant shift towards digital first banking, digital or online solutions don’t yet work for everyone, and access to cash and face to face banking services remains vital for many people.’

Have you used a banking hub? Let us know your experience: editor@thisismoney.co.uk