Santander to make major changes for all UK customers from next month

Big changes are on the horizon for Santander customers starting next month as the banking giant revises its communication methods with account holders.

From May 12 onwards, the familiar text alerts about account balances and transaction notifications that Santander clients have grown used to will be consigned to the past. The shift is a significant move from the norm, shaking up routines for many who rely on these handy text-based updates.

Santander has its sights set on driving up digital engagement, encouraging customers to embrace the features of its mobile application, reports .

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In their update, the bank has made it clear by saying: "If you've registered for some alerts on a personal current account or savings account, from May 12, 2025, we'll stop sending them. We're doing this because you can get a more detailed view of your account activity with mobile or online banking."

As things stand, Santander patrons are used to the convenience of receiving regular text message rundowns on their weekly financial health or prompt warnings of notable transactions, all customizable according to individual user settings.

However, once the new policy is in place, account holders will be required to actively monitor their banking details either through the app or by visiting a branch in person. Despite this, Santander assures that essential communications will not stop completely; urgent updates, especially those related to potential charges – like nearing an overdraft limit – will still be sent via alerts.

This follows the bank's announcement that it plans to shut down at least 95 branches throughout 2025 - more than a fifth of its entire UK network. This marks the first wave of closures from Santander since it announced plans to close 111 branches in March 2021.

It's estimated that these changes will result in approximately 750 job losses. Prior to the change, Santander had 444 branches across the UK, but this number will be reduced to 290 full-service branches and five work cafes which function as free co-working spaces.

In addition, Santander confirmed it will remove the front desk in 18 of its remaining branches while another 36 will see their opening hours cut. This comes after the bank attributed the closures to a shift in customer behaviour towards online banking.

The bank reported a 63% increase in digital transactions since 2019, while branch transactions fell by 61% during the same period. Customers affected by the closures still have the option to use a Santander community banker in their local area, as well as banking hubs, which are shared spaces on the high street.

Additionally, Santander customers can utilise their local Post Office to access basic banking services, including paying in and withdrawing cash. A Santander UK spokesperson previously stated: "As customer behaviour changes, we are ensuring that our branches remain fit for the future.

"Our new combination of full-service branches, alongside Work Cafés, counter-free branches and reduced hours branches, aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance. As a business, we must move with customers and balance our investment across all the places where we interact with customers, to deliver the very best for them now and in the future.

"Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers. However, we believe that the introduction of our new Community Bankers and the exciting plans we have for our remaining network of 349 branches and Work Cafés, alongside the rapid and innovative improvements to our award-winning mobile banking app, will provide the right balance of digital banking and human interaction when required."