Banks collectively close more than 750 branches.

• Position: MARKETING NEWS - Brief article

THE NUMBER OF BANK BRANCHES IN THE UNITED STATES IS ON THE DECLINE in all but a handful of states, according to SNL Financial, Charlottesville, Va.

In total, U.S. banks and thrifts shuttered 767 branches during the year ended June 30. Only four states--California, Rhode Island, New Mexico and Delaware--showed net increases in branch tallies while 43 states experienced more closures than openings.

Pennsylvania's 83 net closures led the nation, followed by Georgia's 51 and Virginia's 46. The Philadelphia-Camden, NJ.-Wilmington, Del. Metropolitan area led the nation's metro areas in net closures, 30.

California metro areas accounted for five of the 10 metro areas with the highest net growth in branches, helping the state post a nation-leading 22 net branch additions. However, Florida's Miami-Fort...