Santander says these closures are because more people are banking online. Sure, that’s true. But it’s also like saying your local pizza joint closed because more people are eating at home. Missing the point entirely.
Branches are where you go for the stuff you can’t do on an app. Like getting a cashier’s check for your down payment. Or asking about that suspicious charge from “Pizza Hut Mars.” The teller can laugh with you. The app just blinks.
I remember my grandmother. She went to her bank every Friday to deposit her pension. The teller knew her name, asked about her garden, and gave her a lollipop. That’s banking. Now, she’d have to use a touchscreen while her bifocals fog up.
What to Do If Your Branch Is Closing
First, don’t panic. Panic never helped anyone, except maybe in a horror movie where it makes you run faster. Santander will likely send you a letter that looks like junk mail. Open it. It’s not a coupon for 20% off at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Second, find the nearest branch still open. It might be 15 miles away. That’s not a branch, that’s a road trip. Pack snacks. Bring a podcast. You’re going commuting.
Santander 13 Branches closing Next Week: Full List of Affected UK
Or, you can embrace the digital life. Set up mobile deposit. Learn to love the app. It’s like getting a new pet—it’s annoying at first, but eventually, you’ll feed it (your password) and it will do tricks (send money to your sister).
