The doors of branches at Jesmond, Maitland, Mayfield, Nelson Bay, New Lambton and Warners Bay will be closed to the public from 2pm on Thursday.

The operating hours of all other branches will be reduced to 9am to 2pm on weekdays from Tuesday, April 14. No branches will open on Saturdays.

The changes will be in place until May 9 but will be monitored and reviewed during that time.

Greater Bank chief executive officer Scott Morgan said the pandemic and subsequent social restrictions had caused a significant shift in the way customers were transacting with the bank.

"Over the last two weeks our over-the-counter transactions have dropped significantly, and we have seen an increase in the use of our other banking channels," he said.

"Across the network, our busiest period is prior to 2pm, however we do understand that the change in operating hours may inconvenience some customers."

Mr Morgan said all staff would remain in work but some would be redeployed across the organisation.

"Employees have not been asked to stand down nor reduce their working hours or pay as a result of the temporary changes to branch operations announced," he said.

"It's important to note that these changes to the branch network are not about reducing costs, but a way for us to best serve the needs of our customers at this time.

"Four of the branches [closing] - Jesmond, Warners Bay, Nelson Bay and New Lambton - are being set up as remote contact centres and these employees will continue to work there each day to help manage the higher than average call volumes that we are receiving."

Mr Morgan said the bank was in a strong position to cope with and manage the needs and expectations of its 270,000 customers.

"These are difficult times for everyone, where we will experience unprecedented change and disruption to our everyday lives," he said.

"I want to assure our customers and the communities in which we operate that our financial situation remains strong, we are well equipped and our people are committed to meeting these challenges to support the ongoing needs of our customers, today and well into the future."

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