M&T Bank, a cornerstone of financial services in Western New York, has recently announced that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing, sparking conversations among customers, employees, and local communities. This decision, set to take effect in June 2025, involves the closure of two specific branches: one at 1580 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo and another at 118 Walnut Street in Lockport. As banking habits evolve and digital platforms gain prominence, the closure of M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing reflects broader industry trends. This article delves into the reasons behind these closures, their impact on the community, alternative banking options, and what customers can expect moving forward.
Why Are M&T Bank Branches in Buffalo and Lockport Closing?
The decision to close M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing stems from a strategic review of the bank’s branch network. According to M&T Bank’s spokesperson, Thea Pecht, the closures are part of an effort to align their physical locations with customers’ changing needs and banking habits. The rise of online and mobile banking has reduced foot traffic in physical branches, prompting M&T Bank to optimize its network. Specifically, M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing because they are located near other operational branches, making consolidation a practical choice.
The Buffalo branch at 1580 Hertel Avenue is approximately one mile from another M&T Bank location at Delaware and Hertel Avenues. Similarly, the Lockport branch at 118 Walnut Street is less than two miles from the branch at 5737 South Transit Road. The proximity of these alternative locations ensures that customers can continue accessing in-person services without significant disruption, even as M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing.
Impact on Customers and Communities
The announcement that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing has raised concerns about accessibility, particularly for customers who rely on in-person banking. For many, physical branches offer a sense of trust and personalized service that digital platforms cannot fully replicate. The closure of M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing may inconvenience elderly customers or those without reliable internet access, who prefer face-to-face interactions for complex transactions like loans or safe deposit box access.
In Lockport, the closure of the Walnut Street branch affects a community with a strong historical connection to M&T Bank. Niagara County currently has five M&T Bank branches and three ATMs, but the closure of M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing reduces options for local residents. Similarly, Buffalo’s Hertel Avenue branch serves a vibrant neighborhood, and its closure may disrupt local businesses that depend on nearby banking services.
However, M&T Bank has emphasized that customers will not be left without options. The bank has encouraged those affected by M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing to visit nearby branches or utilize digital banking tools, such as mobile apps and online platforms, which offer features like Zelle®, mobile check deposit, and 24/7 account management.
Employee Reassignment and Community Support
One reassuring aspect of the news that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing is the bank’s commitment to its employees. M&T Bank has assured that all affected staff members have been or will be offered positions at nearby branches or within other local bank operations. This approach minimizes job losses and reflects M&T Bank’s dedication to its workforce, a critical factor in maintaining trust in the communities impacted by M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing.
Additionally, M&T Bank’s deep ties to Western New York, where it is headquartered, underscore its efforts to support the region. The bank has invested significantly in community initiatives, such as the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, a $50 million public-private partnership focused on educational and economic opportunities. While M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing, the bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to the region through such programs and its ongoing partnership with the Buffalo Bills, including its role as a founding partner of the new Highmark Stadium set to open in 2026.
Alternative Banking Options for Affected Customers
For customers affected by M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing, M&T Bank has outlined several alternatives to ensure seamless access to banking services. The Delaware and Hertel branch in Buffalo and the South Transit Road branch in Lockport are well-equipped to handle customer needs, offering the same range of services, including personal and business banking, mortgages, and credit card support. These branches operate with standard hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, with some locations open on Saturdays.
Moreover, M&T Bank’s digital platforms provide a robust solution for those comfortable with online banking. Features like mobile check deposit, real-time account alerts, and online loan applications make it easier for customers to manage their finances remotely. For those with safe deposit boxes at the closing branches, M&T Bank has promised to provide detailed instructions on transferring or accessing their contents, mitigating disruptions caused by M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing.
The Broader Context of Branch Closures
The closure of M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing is not an isolated event but part of a larger trend in the banking industry. As customers increasingly turn to digital channels, banks nationwide are reevaluating their physical footprints. For instance, KeyBank announced plans to close over 70 branches in 2024, citing similar shifts in customer behavior. M&T Bank, however, has been more conservative in its approach, retaining a strong branch network compared to competitors, even as M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing.
This strategic consolidation reflects the need to balance brick-and-mortar presence with investments in digital infrastructure. M&T Bank’s recent $2 million investment in renovating four East Side Buffalo branches demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a physical presence where demand remains strong. These renovations, set to complete by December 2025, include modernized teller lines, new technology, and enhanced customer areas, ensuring that the bank remains competitive despite M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing.
What to Expect Before and After June 12, 2025
The M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing on June 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Leading up to this date, the bank will notify customers with accounts or safe deposit boxes at these locations, providing guidance on transitioning to alternative branches or digital platforms. M&T Bank’s customer service team is available to answer questions and assist with account transfers, ensuring a smooth process.
After the closures, customers can expect continued access to M&T Bank’s full suite of services at nearby locations or online. The bank’s ATMs, which operate 24/7, will remain available in Niagara County and Buffalo, further reducing the impact of M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing. Additionally, M&T Bank’s mobile apps for Android and iPhone offer a convenient way to manage finances, from paying bills to applying for loans.
Conclusion
The announcement that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing marks a significant shift for customers and communities in Western New York. While the closures reflect broader industry trends toward digital banking, M&T Bank is taking steps to minimize disruptions by offering nearby branch alternatives and robust online services. The bank’s commitment to reassigning employees and investing in community initiatives, such as the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood and its partnership with the Buffalo Bills, reinforces its dedication to the region.
As M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing, customers are encouraged to explore alternative banking options and engage with the bank’s digital tools to maintain seamless access to financial services. By adapting to changing customer needs, M&T Bank aims to balance efficiency with its longstanding role as a trusted financial partner in Western New York.
FAQs
1. Why are M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport closing?
M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing to optimize the bank’s network in response to evolving customer needs and increased use of digital banking. The branches are near other operational locations, making consolidation feasible.
2. When will the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport close?
The branches at 1580 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo and 118 Walnut Street in Lockport will close on June 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
3. What alternatives are available for customers affected by the closures?
Customers can visit nearby branches, such as the Delaware and Hertel branch in Buffalo (about one mile away) or the South Transit Road branch in Lockport (less than two miles away). M&T Bank’s online and mobile banking platforms also offer comprehensive services.
4. What will happen to employees at the closing branches?
All affected employees have been or will be offered positions at nearby branches or within other local bank operations, ensuring no job losses.
5. How will safe deposit box customers be affected?
M&T Bank will provide detailed instructions to customers with safe deposit boxes at the closing branches, guiding them on how to access or transfer their contents.
6. How can customers stay informed about the closures?
M&T Bank will notify affected customers directly and provide updates through its website (www.mtb.com) and customer service channels. Customers can also visit nearby branches for assistance.
