Bromley Borough is set to lose another bank branch as NatWest’s Orpington closes its doors for the final time on the 27th of May. The branch closure was announced on the 30th January 2026, with NatWest citing a decline in counter transactions and increased demand for digital banking services as key reasons for the decision.
Located at 235 Orpington High Street, the branch has served the local community for over 20 years, and despite changes in banking habits, many in the community still rely on in-person banking for a range of daily tasks.
Natwest’s announcement was not a surprise, considering the steady backdrop of bank branch closures across the UK, as more customers move their banking online.
Alternative banking options for Orpington customers
The loss of a high street bank branch is not ideal. Especially one so close to Walnuts Shopping Centre. However, Orpington customers can access in-person banking services through nearby branches.
The nearest NatWest branches after the closure will be:
- NatWest Bromley – 143 High Street, Bromley BR1 1JH (5.71 miles away)
- NatWest Bexleyheath – 1 Townley Road, Bexleyheath DA6 7JG (7.50 miles away)
- NatWest Sevenoaks – 67 High Street, Sevenoaks TN13 1LA (9.49 miles away)
Residents can also deposit cash and cheques via the Post Office located at 189-193 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0PF
Why is NatWest closing its Orpington branch
In the last decade, NatWest has closed over 1,000 bank branches. This backdrop of closures comes as average counter transactions decreased by 71% from 2019 to 2025, and mobile app usage increased by 68% over the same period.
In Orpington specifically:
- Counter transactions fell by 53% between October 2019 and October 2025.
- 78% of personal customers who used the branch also used online banking or the mobile app.
- An average of 276 personal customers and 134 business customers used the branch each month.
