Research from Nationwide reveals around two thirds of people (63%) value their local branch, with face-to-face service given as the top reason. Nationwide recently renewed its branch promise to not leave any town or city in which it is based until at least 2026 – in sharp contrast to mass bank closures up and down the country in recent years.

Nationwide’s stance on branches, in tandem with significant closure programmes, means it has now surpassed even the biggest of banks on the high street.

Debbie Crosbie, Nationwide CEO, said: “Nationwide provides the face-to-face service that people value and need.

“We’re the large-scale alternative to shareholder owned banks and now we have the biggest branch network too.

“Our branches are busy and we’re an important part of local communities.”