Commonwealth Bank has closed 114 branches across the nation to deal with staffing needs elsewhere and a drop in patronage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The "temporary" closures mean about 500 staff are being redeployed to call centres and online operations to help meet demand from people seeking financial assistance.
Since the coronavirus pandemic was declared in early March, CBA had received more than a million calls and online requests for help, the bank said.
Calls for hardship assistance have increased by 800 per cent, a spokesperson said.
"Over the same period, visits by customers to bank branches have fallen more than 50 per cent in some branches as people follow social distancing and lockdown requirements," the spokesperson said.
Transaction volumes in the branches had dropped significantly as a result, while there has been a large increase in customers doing their banking online.
"As a result we are stepping up our support for customers by planning to reassign, from May 7, about 500 branch staff to our call centres and online operations," the spokesperson said.
"This means we will temporarily close a number of branches across the country, primarily in metro areas."
The CBA spokesperson said most of the temporary closures would happen at branches near where another branch is operating — normally within five kilometres.
Branches have been closed in regional NSW, including Maitland, Wingham near Taree, Thirroul and Mittagong in the south of the state, and at the Dubbo mall.
CBA customers who left comments on the ABC Mid North Coast Facebook page had a range of opinions, and many with concerns for elderly customers.
"The nearest branch is more than 5km from Wingham. I think it's 15km. You need transport to get there" — Lucinda Savona
"Will be closing accounts! Have been a loyal customer at Commonwealth Bank for over fifty years" — Dennis Marks
"Could of let the customers know earlier. So people can leave and go to other banks. I will be closing my account when they reopen" — Rebecca Brislane
"Ridiculous feel for the elderly it won't reopen!" — Gayle Joyce
"I pity elderly peeps who aren't so modern aged" — Shannon Gosper
"Let's hope they open them after 6 months" — William Royce Howell
"What's the bet it won't reopen?" — Helen Kemp
CBA said branches will be closed for a period of up to six months with the situation reviewed regularly as to when to re-open them, depending on customer need and when the lockdown restrictions are lifted or relaxed, said the CBA.
Branch ATMs would still operate, the bank said.
