Bank branch use falls 6% as customers embrace digital advances

Industry report says phone calls to banks have also declined sharply with smartphones and tablets predicted to overtake use of branches this year

The use of bank branches fell by 6% last year as customers channelled more transactions over phone networks and the internet, according to a report published on Sunday that predicts the use of smartphones and tablets will usurp branches this year.

It insists, however, that banks are not giving up on bricks and mortar altogether despite a wave of closures and job cuts in recent years.