I’m a Bank Teller: 9 Reasons Banking In-Person Is More Financially Savvy Than Banking Online
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Most of us do our banking completely online now. It’s just a fact of the digital age — when you can deposit a check right into your bank’s mobile app, what’s the point of trekking to a branch? However, veteran bank teller Rachael P. says we shouldn’t abandon in-person banking entirely.
“There are still plenty of advantages to physically going into a branch,” Rachael shared. “Sure, digital banking is easy. But something can be lost when you have zero human interaction with your bank.”
While digital banking is booming, she believes making an effort to head into branches periodically can actually pay financial dividends. Here are the nine reasons you should consider in-person banking over banking online, according to a bank teller.
Catch Errors and Fraud Faster
“Something just feels more official when you’re looking at physical statements and documents rather than numbers on a screen,” Rachael said. “It makes it easier to identify errors, missing funds or potential fraud right away rather than just scrolling past it.”
Speaking to a real person can facilitate quicker resolution as well.
Tap Into Professional Expertise
“At the end of the day, we’re trained financial professionals who understand banking, regulations and money management inside and out,” she stated. “Sure, that internet chat rep seems friendly. But you’ll get way deeper insights by actually talking to someone face-to-face.”
Negotiate Better Rates and Fees
You’d be surprised what a teller or personal banker can do if you simply ask politely. Whether it’s lowering fees, getting a better interest rate or waiving penalties, simply walking into a branch gives you way more flexibility than online interactions.
Build Relationships and Get Personalized Service
“When you bank in person, we get to know you as a real individual,” Rachael explained. “Not just an account number. That allows us to treat you as a person and provide much more personalized service tailored to your specific needs and situation.”
Ask Questions More Easily
While you can technically message customer service online, Rachael noted it’s way more efficient and thorough to simply walk in and ask.
“As tellers, we have a direct line to just about any information or expertise you need about banking, accounts, policies – you name it.”
Handle Complex Transactions Seamlessly
Routine transfers and payments are easy online. But for more complex transactions like estates, business dealings or major cashflows, Rachael prefers doing them in person.
“It’s a lot of numbers to juggle that are easier in person. Plus you get the secure guidance to make sure everything is handled properly.”
Set Up New Accounts More Easily
“When customers come in, we can walk them through all the different account options to find the right fit without a thousand clicks or pages to scroll through,” she said. “There’s just more flexibility to customize and explain everything clearly.”
Appreciate Money’s Value More
“There’s just an inherent psychological disconnect when you never handle physical cash,” Rachael stated. “If you bank only digitally, it can start to feel like Monopoly money versus recognizing its true value.”
In-person banking forces you to be more cognizant of what your money represents.
Get the ‘Human’ Customer Experience
“You don’t realize how valuable a genuine smile, friendly greeting or thoughtful conversation is until it’s gone,” Rachael said. “Digital banking is convenient, but you’ll never get that true human experience without visiting a branch every now and then.”
While online banking’s ease and accessibility are great, Rachael believes never going into a physical location is a mistake.
“Technology is amazing, but it can make us a bit complacent too,” she said. “If you just put in a little extra effort to engage with real people at real branches more regularly, I guarantee you’ll have that extra edge when it comes to money management.”
From cutting better deals to gaining personalized advice, maximizing your banking IQ and simply appreciating the value of a dollar more, making time for old-fashioned in-person banking has its distinct upsides.
“I always tell customers, you’d never buy a house or a car without experiencing it in person first, right? Think of your bank the same way. That human touch really does matter more than you’d expect for your overall financial well-being.”
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