I’m a Bank Teller: 5 Things We Wish You Knew Before Visiting the Bank

There’s a common misconception that the physical branch is an antiquated holdover from 20th-century banking that will exist only for as long as the baby boomers. After all, young consumers would rather tap a screen than engage with a teller.

The problem with that assessment is that the data just doesn’t back it up.

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As early as 2017, studies showed that Gen Zers favored visits to their local branch more than all the older generations, and new data emerged to show the trend was holding strong in 2021, 2023 and 2024.

There’s a reason the banking model of the past is shaping up to be the banking model of the future. While you can conduct nearly every financial transaction in your banking life through an app, there is still no substitute for the familiarity, peace of mind and personal touch that you get through face time with a human teller.

If you’re among those who prefer to do their banking in an actual bank, there are some things you should know to get the most out of each visit to your local branch.

Arielle Torres, assistant branch manager at Addition Financial , a credit union in Lake Mary, Florida, outlined what tellers want you to know before you pay them a visit.

You Can Stop in Just To Check In

You don’t need a reason to visit a branch, and popping in occasionally just to check in might be the best form of account maintenance in the entire banking world.

“Most institutions offer a complimentary review of your account,” Torres said.

Sure, you can sign up for digital alerts, visit your bank’s website and check in with your app, but there is no replacement for a personal, customized face-to-face review of your account by a trained professional with real-time information who can answer your questions or direct you to in-house specialists.

“By taking advantage of this, you can stay on top of new products and services and ensure you are in the best product available for your financial needs,” Torres said.

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Regular Visits Can Earn You VIP Status When It Counts

Complimentary account reviews are one reason it pays to be a familiar face at your local branch. Another is that every trip to the bank puts you on the radar of the branch’s tellers, loan officers and managers — and loyalty can pay dividends as your financial needs evolve over time.

“Building and deepening your relationship with your financial institution will help you later down the line when applying for lending and mortgage products,” Torres said.

Branch Professionals Can Help You Craft a Financial Plan

There’s no substitute for the advice of a financial planner or other professional advisor, but not everyone requires such a formal level of assistance. For those seeking more casual — and often free — guidance, there’s no better place to find it than your local branch.

“Depending on your financial needs, your financial institution is there to assist you,” Torres said. “Whether it be helping you to build your credit or helping you save for a large purchase such as a home. Use them as a resource, early and often.”

Your Branch Also Can Be Your Brokerage

Many people assume their bank branch is for inquiries, transactions and questions regarding their checking accounts, savings accounts and loans, but that their investments must be kept separate in a brokerage firm, even if that firm exists only on a digital screen.

The truth is that your branch can probably double as your investment brokerage — and a face-to-face visit can deliver full-service brokerage treatment without the hefty fees and expenses.

“Most institutions offer a wide range of investment services,” Torres said. “Ask the team at your bank or credit union what they offer.”

You Can Own Your Branch Instead of Just Visiting It

Both banks and credit unions have branches that look the same, feel the same, operate the same and let you do all the same things — but in many cases, the difference is that one tends to keep more of your money than the other.

“A credit union tends to offer the same products and services a bank does,” Torres said. “However, a credit union will typically offer better rates and lower fees than a bank.”

That’s because credit unions are member-owned nonprofits and banks are for-profit private-sector companies. Since they don’t answer to profit-hungry shareholders, credit unions are often more willing to work with lesser-qualified customers while typically delivering better yields and lower-interest loans. You have to join to become a customer; and, because all members are owners, you’ll own a little piece of the branch you walk into with every visit to your local teller.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I’m a Bank Teller: 5 Things We Wish You Knew Before Visiting the Bank