In a bold move that defies the industry norm, National Australia Bank (NAB) is expanding its weekend services by opening more branches on Saturdays.
As other financial institutions continue to reduce physical banking options, NAB’s decision marks a customer-centric shift aimed at enhancing convenience and accessibility.
From February 1, the bank will open 17 additional branches on Saturdays, bringing the total number of weekend-operating locations to 29.
This expansion follows a successful trial conducted late last year, which revealed strong demand for extended banking hours from customers seeking in-person services beyond the standard Monday-to-Friday schedule.
The introduction of Saturday trading hours is a welcome move for NAB customers in urban areas, even though the bank reports that 93% of transactions are now conducted online.
Meanwhile, regional Australians continue to face challenges as the banking sector pulls back its physical presence.
Between 2017 and 2023, nearly 800 regional bank branches were closed, according to the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority.
Additionally, the big four banks have removed 217 ATMs over the past year, with more than 8,300 bank-owned ATMs disappearing in the last seven years.
NAB Personal Bank Executive Paul Carter stated, “We’re rethinking how we serve our customers, and Saturday trading perfectly complements the $41 million we’ve invested in branch renovations over the past year.”
“Our goal is to ensure customers can bank at times that suit them best.”
Ten branches are located in Melbourne, seven in Sydney, four in Brisbane, two in Adelaide, and three in Perth, with one each on the Gold Coast, in Canberra, and in Darwin.
In a NAB statement, a couple identified as Cameron and Brooke from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs shared that the extended Saturday hours have been invaluable in helping them prepare for a mortgage.
