M&t bank branches in buffalo and lockport are closing

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m&t bank branches in buffalo and lockport are closing

On March 25, 2025, M&T Bank announced that two of its branches in Western New York — one in Buffalo and one in Lockport — will shut their doors permanently on June 12. The Buffalo branch is located at 1580 Hertel Avenue, and the Lockport branch is at 118 Walnut Street.

This decision has raised concerns among local customers, community leaders, and employees alike. Branch closures are never easy, especially when they affect people who rely heavily on in-person banking. In this article, I’ll walk you through the full picture: what exactly is happening, why M&T made this move, how it could affect you, and what steps you can take to prepare and adapt.

I’ll also share some reflections from similar situations and try to bring in a human angle — because behind numbers and policies, there are real people affected.

II. Details of the Closures

Buffalo branch (Hertel Avenue)

Address & closure date
The Buffalo branch at 1580 Hertel Avenue will close at 4 p.m. on June 12.
Alternate branch
The nearest branch that will remain open is at Delaware Avenue & Hertel Avenue, roughly one mile away.
What customers should expect
Until June 12, the branch should operate normally, allowing customers time to adjust, move services, or consult staff. After that, account access, deposits, and teller services would need to shift to other branches or digital methods.

Lockport branch (Walnut Street)

Address & closure date
The Lockport branch on 118 Walnut Street will also close June 12.
Alternate branch
A nearby branch on 5737 South Transit Road is less than two miles away and will continue operations.
Transition plans
M&T has communicated that customers will be asked to use the Transit Road branch or other branches in the vicinity.

Staff and transition

Employees offered reassignment
M&T says all employees impacted by those closures have been offered jobs at nearby locations or in other local operations.
Continuity of services
The bank is expected to ensure a smooth transition so that accounts, deposits, and scheduled payments are unaffected to the extent possible. It’s standard practice to move or reassign services rather than force mass disruptions. (Still, customers should confirm changes and monitor closely.)

III. Reasons & Context

To understand why this decision happened, we need to look beyond the announcement. This is not just about two branches; it’s part of larger trends in banking and customer behavior.

Official rationale

In making the announcement, M&T stated it regularly reviews its network of branches to ensure that “locations are best equipped to meet our customers’ evolving needs and banking habits.” In other words, the bank believes usage patterns have shifted, and it needs to adapt its physical presence.

That’s a typical justification: fewer in-branch transactions, more online usage, and a need to allocate resources efficiently.

Underlying drivers

Here are key factors likely pushing this decision:

Drop in branch foot traffic
Over time, banks have seen fewer customers visiting branches for routine tasks. Many prefer online or mobile banking options. When usage at a branch is low, it becomes costly per transaction.
Growth of digital banking
As more customers adopt mobile apps, web banking, and remote deposit capture, the need for physical branches declines. The branch still matters for certain services — cash handling, in-person advice, account opening — but fewer daily tasks require a branch.
Operational costs
Branches carry fixed costs: rent, utilities, security, maintenance, staffing, insurance. If a branch isn’t pulling enough volume, those overheads can become a drain on profitability.
Strategic reallocation
By consolidating branches, a bank can redirect investments — perhaps enhancing digital infrastructure, upgrading fewer physical branches, or opening “micro-branches” or service centers instead of full branches.
Regulatory & risk factors
Sometimes banks need to optimize for compliance, security, branch density rules, or capital allocation. A branch less able to meet modern security or IT demands may be a candidate for closure.

Broader banking trends

This move isn’t unique. Across the U.S. and in many developed markets, banks are increasingly pruning less-used branches. Drivers include:

National chains closing or consolidating branches
Mergers and acquisitions, leading to overlaps
Rise in mobile & online banking
Pressure to cut costs and boost ROI
Shift of investment to digital channels

Many customers accept this as inevitable, but it’s still disruptive at the local level.

IV. Impacts & Consequences

When a branch closes, impacts ripple. Let’s break down the effects on different groups.

On customers

Less convenience
Some customers may have to drive farther, especially those without nearby branches. For people with mobility issues, this can be tough.
Service interruptions risk
During transition, there could be delays, or confusion over drop-offs, deposits, or in-person services.
Technology gap
People who rely on in-branch support — seniors, low-tech users, those without reliable internet — may struggle with digital alternatives.
Changes in relationship banking
In-person customer-bank relationships may weaken. People who liked face-to-face contact may feel less connected.

On employees

Relocation stress
Some workers may need to move to different branches — longer commutes, new teams, unfamiliar surroundings.
Job uncertainty
Even if reassigned, morale may suffer. Some may decline reassignment or find it untenable.
Retraining needs
Employees may need training for new branch layouts, systems, or responsibilities.

On local community

Loss of foot traffic
Branches generate people walking by; nearby small businesses (cafes, shops) may lose some incidental customers.
Perception of neglect
Closure can feel like retreat or disinvestment, especially in less affluent areas.
Reduced banking access
For neighborhoods with fewer branches to begin with, this can worsen “bank deserts” (areas underserved by physical banking).

V. What Customers Can Do

If you’re a customer of either branch (Buffalo or Lockport), here’s how you can prepare and adapt:

1. Visit alternate branches & ATMs

Identify the nearest branches (Delaware/Hertel for Buffalo; Transit Road for Lockport).
Map ATMs near your home, workplace, or regular routes.
Make note of branch hours and services (some branches offer more services than others).

2. Embrace digital banking

Download and set up the mobile app (if not already).
Learn to deposit checks via smartphone (mobile deposit).
Use online banking for bill pay, transfers, statements, alerts.
For tasks like opening accounts or some loans, explore what can be done online or via phone.

3. Contact the bank proactively

Ask the branch about your specific accounts, scheduled payments, or services you use in person now.
Request early transfers/changes before the closure date.
If you need help with digital tools, ask for assistance ahead of time.

4. Plan for transition

Move automatic payments, direct deposits, or linked accounts prior to closure.
Keep some cash or buffer in your account in case of delays.
Update your address, contact info, linked services (utility payments, subscriptions).
Know the bank’s customer service number in case things go awry.

If you rely heavily on in-person service, give yourself time to adjust before June 12 so the switch isn’t rushed.

VI. Broader Comparisons & Lessons

Let’s zoom out a bit.

Other banks doing similar closures

Many banks have announced branch reductions in recent years. For example:

Large nationwide banks consolidating overlapping branches
Regional banks trimming underperforming locations
Shifts after mergers, where multiple branches exist in the same area

These closures are sometimes met with backlash, especially in underserved or rural communities.

What communities can learn

Advocate early: Engage with bank executives or local politics when closures are announced.
Plan alternatives: Community credit unions, fintech solutions, or shared banking hubs can help fill gaps.
Digital inclusion: Ensure vulnerable populations have access to internet, devices, and training.
Monitoring: Keep track of closures to identify “bank deserts” and push for policy responses.

Will more closures come?

Probably yes. As more routine banking moves online, low-volume branches will be candidates for closure, especially in lower-density or low-use areas. So it’s wise for customers and communities to stay alert and proactive.

VII. Personal Reflection & Anecdote

I’ve seen a few branch closures in my area over the years. In one case, a local branch in a small town closed quietly, and some older customers had to drive much farther or struggle with online tools — it changed how people interact with money. Some never fully adapted, and loyalty eroded.

When I visited the affected Buffalo branch last week, I saw a few customers asking staff, “Where will I go now?” The tellers were kind, but the concern was real. For many, a branch isn’t just where you deposit or withdraw — it’s a trusted place, a human touchpoint. Losing it can feel cold, even if the bank tries to soften the change.

I believe banks owe it to communities to communicate clearly, offer hands-on support, and ensure no one is left behind. Numbers and efficiency matter, but so does care.

VIII. Conclusion

M&T Bank’s decision to close its branches on 1580 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo and 118 Walnut Street in Lockport on June 12 marks a significant shift for affected customers, staff, and local neighborhoods. The reasons—ranging from lower foot traffic to the rise of digital banking—are common in the banking industry today, but that does not make the impact any less real.

If you’re one of the customers affected, your best approach is to plan ahead: identify alternate branches, get comfortable with digital tools, and reach out to the bank to clarify how your accounts and services will transition. For employees, understanding reassignment plans and training needs is key. And for communities, this is a moment to engage, adapt, and ensure banking access remains available.

Branch closures may be part of the future, but the way banks handle them determines whether the change feels like progress or abandonment. With careful planning and empathy, the transition can go more smoothly.

IX. FAQ

Q1: When exactly will the branches close?
A: Both the Buffalo (Hertel Avenue) and Lockport (Walnut Street) branches will close at 4 p.m. on June 12.

Q2: Are there alternate branches nearby?
A: Yes. For Buffalo, the branch at Delaware & Hertel (about a mile away) is a close option. For Lockport, the branch at 5737 South Transit Road (less than two miles away) remains open.

Q3: What happens to my accounts and services?
A: Accounts will remain active. Scheduled payments, direct deposits, and linked services should continue. But it’s wise to confirm with the bank and reposition any in-person services before the closure date.

Q4: What if I don’t use online banking?
A: You’ll want to start learning digital tools soon. The bank can help you set up online banking, mobile deposit, and remote access. If needed, you can also rely on staff at alternate branches for help.

Q5: Will employees lose their jobs?
A: M&T says all impacted employees have been offered jobs in nearby branches or within the bank’s local operations.