M&T Bank, a prominent financial institution headquartered in Buffalo, New York, has recently announced that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing, sending ripples through the Western New York community. This decision, set to take effect on June 12, 2025, reflects broader trends in the banking industry, where digital platforms are increasingly replacing physical branches. In this article, we’ll explore the details of these closures, their impact on customers and employees, alternative banking options, and what this means for the future of banking in the region. With a focus on clarity and depth, this piece aims to provide a comprehensive guide for those affected by the news that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing.
Why Are M&T Bank Branches in Buffalo and Lockport Closing?
The announcement that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing comes as part of the bank’s strategic review of its branch network. According to Thea Pecht, M&T Bank’s spokesperson for Upstate and Western New York, the closures align with efforts to “ensure our locations are best equipped to meet our customers’ evolving needs and banking habits.” The specific branches affected are located at 1580 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo and 118 Walnut Street in Lockport, both of which will cease operations at 4 p.m. on June 12, 2025.
The decision of M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing is driven by several factors:
- Shift to Digital Banking: With the rise of mobile apps and online banking, fewer customers are visiting physical branches for routine transactions like deposits or transfers. This trend has accelerated since 2020, with many banks, including M&T, scaling back their brick-and-mortar presence.
- Operational Efficiency: Consolidating branches allows M&T Bank to optimize resources, reduce overhead costs, and invest in technology-driven services.
- Proximity to Other Branches: M&T Bank has ensured that alternative locations are nearby. For instance, customers in Lockport can visit the branch at 5737 S. Transit Road, less than two miles away, while Buffalo customers have access to other branches in the city.
While the news that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing may be unsettling, the bank emphasizes that it remains committed to serving the Western New York region through its remaining network of branches and ATMs.
Impact on Customers and Employees
The M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing will affect both customers and employees, though M&T Bank has outlined measures to mitigate disruptions.
Customers
For customers who rely on the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport, the closures may require adjustments to their banking routines. Regular visitors to the Hertel Avenue or Walnut Street locations will need to transition to nearby branches or embrace digital banking options. M&T Bank has encouraged affected customers to:
- Visit alternative branches, such as the S. Transit Road location in Lockport or other Buffalo branches.
- Use M&T’s robust online banking platform for transactions, bill payments, and account management.
- Access ATMs for cash withdrawals and deposits, with M&T maintaining a wide ATM network across the region.
The news that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing has raised accessibility concerns, particularly for elderly customers or those without reliable internet access. However, M&T Bank has pledged to support these customers through its customer service channels and in-person assistance at nearby locations.
Employees
M&T Bank has assured that employees at the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing will not face job losses. This is because the employees have been offered positions at nearby branches and in other local bank operations. This approach reflects M&T’s commitment to its workforce, ensuring that the closures do not result in layoffs for those working at the affected locations.
Community Reactions to M&T Bank Branch Closures
The announcement that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing has elicited mixed reactions from the Western New York community. Local residents and business owners have expressed concerns about the loss of convenient banking access, particularly in Lockport, where the Walnut Street branch has been a community staple. Some worry that the closures could impact small businesses that rely on in-person banking services.
On the other hand, younger customers who primarily use digital banking have shown less concern about the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing. For them, the shift to online platforms is a natural evolution of banking. Community leaders have urged M&T Bank to engage with residents to address concerns and ensure a smooth transition for those affected by the closures.
M&T Bank’s Broader Strategy in Western New York
Despite the news that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing, M&T Bank remains deeply rooted in Western New York. Headquartered in Buffalo, the bank has a long-standing presence in the region, including a 40-year partnership with the Buffalo Bills, recently extended in May 2025. M&T Bank is also a founding partner of the new Highmark Stadium, set to open in 2026, and sponsors community initiatives like the Thursday & Main concert series in Downtown Buffalo.
The M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing are part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing consumer preferences while maintaining a strong regional presence. M&T Bank has emphasized that it is not retreating from Western New York but rather reallocating resources to enhance digital services and support community programs.
Alternatives for Affected Customers
For those impacted by the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing, several alternatives are available:
- Nearby M&T Branches: Customers can visit other M&T Bank locations, such as the S. Transit Road branch in Lockport or various branches in Buffalo.
- Online and Mobile Banking: M&T’s digital platforms allow customers to manage accounts, pay bills, and transfer funds from anywhere.
- ATMs: M&T’s extensive ATM network supports deposits, withdrawals, and balance inquiries.
- Customer Support: M&T’s call centers and online chat services provide assistance for those transitioning from in-person banking.
By leveraging these options, customers can continue banking with M&T despite the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing.
The Bigger Picture: Banking Industry Trends
The M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing reflects a nationwide trend of bank branch consolidations. Since 2020, the number of bank branches in the U.S. has dropped by approximately 5.6%, driven by the rise of digital banking. Major institutions like TD Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo have also announced closures, with TD Bank alone shuttering 38 branches by June 5, 2025.
The shift to digital banking is particularly pronounced among younger generations, who prefer managing finances online. However, this transition poses challenges for communities with limited internet access or customers who value face-to-face interactions. The M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing highlight the need for banks to balance technological advancements with inclusivity.
Conclusion
The announcement that M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing marks a significant change for Western New York residents. While the closures reflect broader industry trends toward digital banking, they also raise questions about accessibility and community impact. M&T Bank’s commitment to supporting affected customers and employees through alternative branches, digital platforms, and job reassignments is a step in the right direction. As the banking landscape evolves, M&T Bank’s focus on innovation and community engagement will be key to maintaining its strong presence in the region.
For those affected by the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing, exploring nearby branches, embracing digital banking, and reaching out to M&T’s customer support can ease the transition. While change can be challenging, it also presents an opportunity to adapt to modern banking solutions that offer convenience and flexibility.
FAQs
1. Why are M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport closing?
The M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing due to a strategic review aimed at aligning with customers’ increasing preference for digital banking and optimizing operational efficiency. The closures are set for June 12, 2025.
2. Which specific M&T Bank branches are closing?
The branches at 1580 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo and 118 Walnut Street in Lockport are the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing.
3. What happens to customers who use these branches?
Customers affected by the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing can visit nearby branches, use M&T’s online and mobile apps, use ATMs, or contact customer support for assistance.
4. Will employees lose their jobs due to the closures?
No, employees at the M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing have been offered positions at nearby branches or in other local bank operations.
5. Are more M&T Bank branches closing in Western New York?
There is no current information about additional M&T Bank branches in Buffalo and Lockport are closing, but customers should stay informed through M&T’s official communications.
