Westpac says more than 85 per cent of transactions take place outside of a branch.

More than 70 jobs could be lost if a Westpac proposal to close 19 branches goes ahead.

First Union spokeswoman Tali Williams said Westpac's proposal to close the branches, mainly in regional towns, would result in 72 jobs being made redundant and 20 job transfers to other branches.

The "out of the blue" announcement had upset a lot of staff, she said.

"People were in shock, they're upset and also to be honest quite angry," Williams said.

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"It's an absolute surprise to them that there was any problem at all with their branches."

Last year Westpac reported a record $916 million profit - up 6 per cent on the previous year.

Branches proposed to close are: Kamo, Cherrywood in Tauranga, Broadway Avenue in Palmerston North, Bishopdale in Christchurch, Gardens in Dunedin, Waikanae, Carterton, Raglan, Ranfurly, Te Aroha, Fendalton Mall in Christchurch, Putaruru, Whangamata,Takaka, Stoke, Wainuiomata, Te Anau, Fairlie and Otorohanga.

Westpac would decide which branches would close by the end of September, with closures expected by the end of October, she said.

There was still a need in the affected communities to have face to face banking services, she said.

"What we're hearing from Westpac is these towns don't offer enough sales opportunities."

Banking strategies had also shifted from service delivery to selling debt, she said.

The majority of affected communities had high numbers of elderly and beneficiary residents who were difficult to sell products such as life insurance to, she said.

Westpac spokesman Chris Mirams said proposals had been sent to branches asking staff for their consideration and feedback.

"Once that feedback has been received and evaluated a decision will be made. Staff and customers will be the first to know that decision and there will be no further public comment until then," Mirams.

Customers were changing the way they banked with more than 85 per cent of transactions taking place outside of a branch, he said.

Over the last five years online transactions increased 61 per cent and in the past year mobile device usage had increased 33 per cent.

Over the past two years Westpac added 20 "smart ATMs" that provided 24 hour service.