FOREWORD BANKING ON IT
With neo and challenger banks knocking customer services out of the park , many local bank branches are seeing dwindling customer numbers
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When was the last time you visited a local bank branch ?
The last time I went into an actual bank branch was in 2015 . I ’ d moved back to the UK after many years in the Middle East , and I needed a UK bank account . I had to call up the main town branch and make an appointment with a personal banker . Remember those ?
They were so busy they couldn ’ t see me for a whole week . As I ’ d just landed in the country after 17 years away , I needed an account to do just about anything - including buying a car .
So , on the morning of the appointment , I loaded my youngest child into her pushchair , got on the bus and found my way to the branch four miles away . The account opening process took an hour and lots of paperwork , during which time my overtired toddler had a mega tantrum , throwing cheese puffs and squash all over the personal banker ’ s office .
I eventually got my account opened and swiftly discovered the joys of online banking . I never went back to the bank again because I simply didn ’ t need to ( it was nothing to do with the cheese puffs - I swear ). Rather , every action financial transaction is now carried swiftly and efficiently via my mobile phone . Frictionless is the word .
So , while some might lament the loss of their local branches , I can ’ t say I ’ m too moved : a week ’ s wait , a four mile bus ride and a meeting with a toddler in tow is now , thankfully , ancient history .