The decline of branch banking

We study branch openings and closures in U.S. banking. Both are concentrated where depositors are rate-sensitive and place less value on physical access, patterns driven by financially sophisticated households with greater digital adoption. The effects are strongest for large banks, with lending playing a lesser role. Incumbents retain branches where depositors are less sensitive and more reliant on proximity; entrants avoid such markets because sticky customers are difficult to attract. The Pandemic accelerated closures while allowing banks to retain deposits through online channels. Overall, depositor sophistication — through rate sensitivity and reduced branch reliance — drives modern branch restructuring.