The rate of bank branch closures in Wales has rapidly accelerated in the last four years with more than 50 branches shutting their doors each year.
Which? has tracked bank branch closures across the 海角视频 since 2015 and found 216 have closed in Wales in the period up to the end of 2018, the equivalent of 54 a year.
This suggests the rate of closures has rapidly accelerated in recent years.
Previous FCA figures showed that 148 branches closed between 2012 and 2017 - the equivalent of 30 a year.
Which?’s research shows Brecon and Radnorshire has been the hardest hit constituency for bank branch closures, having lost 14 bank branches since 2015.
This is followed by Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire who lost 13 and 12 branches respectively in the same period.
NatWest has shut the most branches (70) in Wales between 2015 and 2018.
This is followed by HSBC who closed 46 branches in this same period, then Barclays (41) and Lloyds (27).
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Principality Building Society says it will maintain its presence on the high streets of Wales as major banks continue to withdraw.
Principality has 500,000 members in Wales and currently invests £10m to maintain their 53 branches and 17 agencies across Wales and the Borders. It is complementing this by revamping its technology in the next few years to provide Members with a more flexible service.
Rapid bank branch closures are further compounded by the loss of cash machines, as new Which? research reveals Wales has lost nearly 300 (272) cashpoints, including 178 free-to-use machines, in the 15 months between December 2017 and March 2018.
Today, Which? will give evidence to the National Assembly’s Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee for its Access to Banking inquiry.
It will warn Assembly Members that without urgent action millions of people risk being left behind as bank branches and cash machines continue to shut at a rapid rate.
Which? is calling on the government to deliver on its pledge to protect access to cash while it is still needed, and believes legislation is necessary to ensure that people have the freedom to pay for goods and services in whatever way they need too.
Gareth Shaw, head of money at Which?, said: "Welsh communities are being hit by a double whammy of soaring bank branch closures and cash machines vanishing at an alarming rate - leaving many people at risk of being stripped of cash access.
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“The 海角视频 government has committed to protecting access to cash, but Which? is warning that without urgent action to manage these changes, millions of people could be shut out of using cash and everyday banking services before they are ready.”
Steve Hughes, CEO of Principality Building Society, said: “Our commitment to the high street remains strong and while our members continue to value and recommend our branches, it will form the bedrock of our service offering.
"We have seen footfall and demand rise in many areas, as other financial institutions have withdrawn their presence.
"This goes against the trend we are seeing across the rest of the 海角视频. As other people exit the high street we are taking advantage of that with more people coming to our branches for great personal service."