Commonwealth Bank of Australia has extended its moratorium on regional branch closures until at least December 2030. The commitment covers all 281 of the lender's regional branches and replaces an earlier expiry in July 2027. CBA also plans to invest A$140 million in branch upgrades during the 2027 financial year.
The bank said the 281 locations will continue to provide cash deposits and withdrawals, everyday banking and business banking. Its national network comprises more than 600 branches and over 1,700 ATMs, while its mobile app has more than 9.6 million users. CBA framed the commitment as maintaining physical access alongside continued investment in digital services.
REGIONAL ACCESS AND BRANCH INVESTMENT
The A$140 million programme covers regional and metropolitan sites, with work on layouts, accessibility, technology and staffing intended to reduce wait times. CBA said the programme will also improve customer access to lenders, specialists and business bankers in branches.
Regional communities will retain access through mobile and specialist bankers as well as the Bank@Post network. CBA's partnership with Australia Post runs to 2032 and provides access at 3,300 outlets, while its First Nations Reach programme is due to expand to 17 additional remote Indigenous communities by June 2028.
CLOSURE PRESSURE REMAINS
Australian media reported the pledge amid continuing criticism of the major banks over widespread branch closures. The Finance Sector Union welcomed the regional extension but said the bank had closed or announced the closure of 29 metropolitan branches during 2026 and called for the protection to cover all branches.
The immediate milestone will be delivery of the FY27 upgrade programme across CBA's network.