Bank of America is set to close two branches in Brockton later this year, but customers need not worry as the bank is simultaneously building a brand new bank near the mall on Westgate Drive. The West Brockton branch at 826 Belmont St. is scheduled to close on October 13, 2023, while the East Brockton branch at 695 Crescent St. will close on October 24, 2023.
According to plans submitted by Bank of America to the city, the new branch on Westgate Drive will consist of a 4,600-square-foot building with a drive-thru and an ATM. However, the bank has yet to comment on its plans for the building.
Bank of America currently has ATM-only locations at 683 Belmont St. and 200 Westgate Drive and maintains branches and ATMs in other nearby locations such as Abington, Bridgewater, Easton, Hanover, Holbrook, Randolph, Raynham, Rockland, and Stoughton.
Customers who have safe deposit boxes at the closing branches can make arrangements to close them during regular business hours as per the bank’s website.
Bank closures are not unique to Bank of America, as HarborOne Bank recently closed its Montello branch on North Main Street, citing that customers have been increasingly using digital transactions. The branch had been in operation for over 30 years, opening in 1992.
On the other hand, South Shore Bank celebrated the opening of its new location in Brockton in June, demonstrating confidence in the city’s potential. The new South Shore Bank Brockton Banking Center located at 1280 Belmont St. offers a modernized full-service banking experience with access to the latest banking technologies, including virtual tellers.
Bank of America’s decision to close branches in Brockton may be part of a broader trend towards digital transactions, which have become increasingly popular among customers. The closure of physical branches has become more common as individuals and businesses rely more on online and mobile banking.
As Brockton adjusts to these changes in the banking landscape, it remains to be seen how the community will be affected by the shifts in banking services. While some may lament the loss of familiar branches, the opening of new bank locations like South Shore Bank’s Brockton Banking Center shows that there is still confidence in the city’s economic potential.
Overall, the closure of Bank of America branches in Brockton reflects a wider industry trend and highlights the increasing importance of digital banking solutions. As customers become more comfortable with online and mobile banking, traditional bank branches may continue to adapt and evolve to meet changing customer needs.
