“Bank of America’s adjusted earnings in 2017 matched its highest annual profit ever. The bank closed or sold more than 1,500 branches since 2009, including the vast majority of its rural branches. The closures have helped the bank save on occupancy and employee costs, bringing down overall expenses. The lower expense levels have bolstered bank profit. Some closures involve banks leaving rural areas because branches there aren’t profitable enough, according to the Journal analysis. Since mid-2012, PNC has cut its branches in rural areas and small towns by nearly one-third. SunTrust has cut its rural branches almost by half.”