"Tomorrow for NatWest feels like a virtual one now and that will be a blow to many small high street businesses at a time when they least need more uncertainty." NatWest said average counter transaction has fallen by two-thirds between January 2019 and January 2022, while transactions using the bank's mobile app rose by 39 percent during the same period. Some NatWest customers spoke out to oppose the branch closures. One user, @oxtedbird, said: "Banks could be innovative and share a building on a high street. "Find solutions which serve your customers, not create more vulnerabilities and isolation. Frauds and scams will increase. Your branch staff protect many customers." A social media representative from NatWest replied: "I do understand your concerns with this and I know branch closures won't suit everyone's needs. "We do offer a range of ways to bank, as we want to make this easy for all customers. You can certainly raise this feedback with our team."