What do you look for in a bank?

Question

I work at a small local bank and we have recently opened. I need some ideas as to generate more business. You as the customer, what would bring you into my bank and not some big bank like Bank of America, Wachovia, Regions, etc. All ideas are welcome! Thank you for your time!

Answer 1

I work with a lot of small business owners, and have heard many things, good and bad about banks.

Mostly what they look for is- free small business checking, a large number of free transactions for retail businesses, fair merchant account terms for credit card processing, available and helpful customer assistance.

If you bank offers SBA guaranteed loans, or other small biz loans- short paper work, complete explanations of lending criteria, loan fees and payment schedules, and communication throughout the application process.

Oh, and make a visit to your local small business development center and SCORE chapter. These people (myself included) often talk to potential business owners before they open a bank account, and if you impress them, maybe they will recommend your bank.

I hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

My bank gives free checking and a decent interest rate on my savings and checking accounts. I can get up to 10 withdrawals per month from non-bank ATM's without being penalized. The internet banking options are great. They also give free basic checks for the life of the account. I moved quite alot, so these options are all wonderful to me.

You need to do something not common in the area, like free checks, or refunding so many ATM transactions per month. Its the same for a customer as it is for a bank, bottom line is everything. With internet and ATM's these days, a person could go months without actually stepping foot into a branch of their local bank. The best way to draw people in is to appeal to their pocketbook.

Answer 3

It all depends on ther position they have with the bank but almost all bank employees have access to customer account information. However, accessing that information without consent of the customer and with no valid business purpose is against the bank's privacy policy and is grounds for termination. Account information is protected by privacy laws. So the short answer is YES they can, but if they have no reason they risk losing their jobs over it. Only the most dishonest employees would risk getting fired by engaging in that type of activity.

Answer 4

For me, important things I look for when looking for a branch:

> High rate of interest
> Online banking and ATMs (I work so I can rarely get to a branch)
> No fees
> Interest even in a period when I've made a withdrawal (there are some accounts that don't pay interest at all in a month a customer has made a withdrawal - instant rejection)
> Good customer service
> Good security (I don't expect to see bin bags with confidential information in just outside the back door)

Answer 5

Atms and access on-line to my accounts. I'm not certain if you can control the number of atms you have available in the area but the more the better. You can offer free checking to anyone who has both a checking account and a savings account.

Answer 6

A vault stocked with money, free checking and online banking.

Answer 7

#1 would be very competetive, if not the best rates in the local market (savings rates, cd rates etc)#2 would be no fees with very liberal minimum balance requirements #3 convenient location and good customer service. it also helps to be nice, polite and provide good service with smile and remember your good depositors and high net worth clients (if you wish to retain them)

Answer 8

Fast ques, good interest, easy forms, a personal stripper to entertain you whist you are waiting in line, hooter tuesdays...and etc

Answer 9

Same day posting on all Deposits ......... or at least pay check that come through while You have a hold on my Deposits and dont charge me for it

Answer 10

money