Three banks of Britain- HSBC, RBS and Barclays – will altogether close about 400 branches by this year. While HSBC is planning to close around 200 branches RBS and Barclays each plans to shut around 100. The banks are reducing their branch networks as customers visit less frequently in favour of banking online or via mobile. The banks argue the need to maintain extensive branch networks has fallen sharply in recent years as customers increasingly bank online while the critics of branch closure say local branches provide a vital service and that elderly and low income customers are hit hardest by closures as many do not have internet access. HSBC is forming a partnership with the Post Office while Barclays is linking up with supermarket chain ASDA to continue offering services.