The news: Wells Fargo plans to renovate more than half of its branch network by the end of 2025 in large metro areas as well as in rural markets—and more are in line for 2026.

The new design features interactive tools that support customer education with mobile and online banking. And it enables bankers to quickly route customers to the right services.

Zoom out: In our January 2025 report Banking Trends to Watch in 2025 we predicted that banks would place huge bets on branches by reformatting and repurposing them. For example, Capital One offers Capital One Café (part-branch, part-café) for informal financial advice, JPMorgan hosts nonprofit workshops, and Bank of America incorporates local culture into design. By 2026, we expect 40% of new branches to prioritize community initiatives and premium financial centers to account for 20% of branch growth.

In addition, PNC said last month it will open more than 300 new or renovated branches by 2030. And as of summer 2025, JPMorgan Chase had plans to open 500 new branches and Bank of America 150. (Branch opening numbers typically include major branch renovations.) Specific plans differ: JPMorgan and Truist are chasing wealthy customers, PNC chases retail deposits, BMO targets California, and First Citizens expands its footprint.

Our take: The pandemic dealt a blow to the branch as a channel, but its decline distracts from its changing role.

Making branch networks more efficient means customizing services to the communities where they’re located, optimizing the design for customers who need advice but whose banking behaviors emphasize digital services, and integrating offerings that align with specific business priorities. The cookie-cutter branch is dying out. But with the right approach, the channel can play a huge part in banks’ growth and success.