Nowadays, most people prefer to do their banking online in the safety of their own homes. However, some major tweaks in a number of banks all over the country may inspire you to make that check deposit in person.
According to The Huffington Post, innovations in banking have started to come up in recent times. In 2015, Capital One has started innovating their branches to look more like cafes. The media outlet reports that the bank implemented the change to promote its brand as an Internet bank and to keep in touch with customers.
The Capital One changes came when the brand took over ING Direct, which was known for its signature Orange Cafes. The Financial Brand reports that the main idea behind a Capital One Café is to combine a Peet’s Coffee shop with “digital lifestyle coaches” that can help customers with their online banking services.
The Capital One Cafes feature communal tables and lounge chairs, meeting rooms that can be reserved by anyone, free Wi-Fi and use of power outlets, and video teller ATMs that are fee-free for anyone and not just cardholders.
Corporate communications manager for Virginia-based Capital One Courtney Rhodes said that at the Capital One Cafes, no one is going to “nag” customers about setting up an account. And just like many people do at Starbucks, they can set up their laptops there while they enjoy their brewed beverages.
“People can work there all day if they want,” said Rhodes. “And those with Capital One accounts can get discounts on coffee.”
Currently, there are 13 Capital One Cafes open all over the country, with branches soon to open in Glendale, Colorado; Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois; and in Bellevue and South Lake Union in Washington.
Meanwhile, Portland-based Umpqua Bank is changing the banking experience for customers by letting them de-stress at its branches. It was reported that the bank offers customers free coffee, chocolate coins and cookies, and they can even use the free reading library and meeting rooms.
The bank’s executive vice president of corporate communications, Eve Callahan, said that they host events in stores such as yoga classes and movie nights for children.
“It becomes a community hub,” said Callahan.
It is expected more banks will follow suit with regards to this innovative business model, and that more of these ground-breaking banking experience concepts will start coming up over the next few years.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on how to get your finances in order in 2017.
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