Banking hubs are being rolled out across the UK in response to the ongoing trend of bank branch closures
LINK has confirmed 19 new locations for shared banking hubs following Santander's announcement to close 95 locations across the UK.
The new hubs are part of the 224 locations LINK has recommended as it continues to assess cash access across the country.
The Government has committed to delivering 350 banking hubs over the course of this Parliament. To date, 139 banking hubs are already up and running, with Cash Access UK responsible for delivering the service.
Since 2022, LINK has assessed 1,879 bank branch closures and continues to receive community requests from across the country.
Banking hubs are shared banking spaces, similar to traditional bank branches, but available to everyone. When opened, the hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees.
Customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.
In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters.
The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days. These hubs aim to maintain banking services in communities where traditional branches have closed.
Here is a full list of the 19 banking hub locations opening across the UK following Santander's announcement:
John Howells, CEO of LINK, said: "Banking hubs continue to prove popular, and we're delighted to announce that 19 new locations will benefit from their services in the future.
"The hubs will make a real difference for the millions of people who still rely on cash. We're committed to keeping cash on the high street, and will continue recommending banking hubs where they are needed."
Jenny Ross, Which? money editor, broke down why cash access is at risk despite LINK's pledge to open dozens of new banking hubs.
Ross said: "Access to cash remains hugely important for a significant minority who use it to pay for everyday essentials and keep track of their spending so Santander's decision to close 95 branches - almost a quarter of its UK network - will come as a real blow to many customers."
"Schemes introduced by the banking industry to protect these services, such as banking hubs, are a good start in plugging gaps left by closing physical branches, but they must be rolled out much more quickly if consumers are to feel their benefits.
"The Government must hold banks' feet to the fire to ensure the commitments they've made to set up 350 hubs by 2029 are met - and should be prepared to review the target upwards if necessary."
Here is a full list of upcoming bank branch closures from Santander:
