Bank Branch Transformation

Articles about bank and credit union branch design, architecture, interior design, branch merchandising, ATMs, video tellers, interactive teller machines, branch technologies, and retail branch experience strategies in banking.

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Why Bank of America Is Covering the Country with Branches

As it builds branches to push into new markets, BofA focuses on gathering deposits and dispensing advice. The bank also revamped older branches to remove teller lines.

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The Bank Branch ‘Convenience’ Paradox

Filene just released an interesting study called “Who’s Joining Credit Unions.” Of particular interest is data that suggests a paradox between how people feel about branches and how they actually use them. While credit union members think they need a branch nearby, the data tells a different story. According to the report, the majority of […]

Credit Union Branch Concept Features Café and Dialogue Pods

With the christening of its latest branch, Augusta Metro Credit Union, introduced a new retail prototype boasting a more open and spacious floor plans and a wide range of the latest features. Four paired teller pods, something Augusta Metro calls “dialogue banking” pods, have replaced the traditional row of tellers. Instead, customers are met by […]

Umpqua Bank’s Branch of the Future

The much-admired Umpqua Bank has created this fascinating video depicting one possible vision of the (very near?) future of financial services. Take a look: What’s particularly interesting about the video is the absence of narration. It gives the viewer credit, and lets us fill in any missing pieces with our imagination. The video engages you […]

Green Branch® Is a Federally Registered Trademark

“PNC has more certified green buildings than any company on Earth.” – PNC website Here’s something interesting you might not have heard. In 2008, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office approved a federal trademark application from PNC Financial Services for the term ‘green branch.’ Reality Check: People are going to use the term “green branch” […]

Greeter is center stage in new branch’s open floor plan

The latest branch for Delta Community Credit Union, its tenth, features an open floor plan starring a greeter station in the middle of all the action. The branch’s operational model is similar to the one used in many Bank of America locations. The credit union will occupy 10,000 of the building’s 100,000 square feet and […]

New branch to be ‘relationship banking center’

Teller transactions at Erie General Electric FCU’s newest branch will be conducted “at ‘teller pods,’ where members and employees can communicate openly without the barrier of a counter,” according to the CU Times. Other branch features: Two stories 18,000 square feet Flat screen TVs Electronic sign-in pad Full children’s play area with video game systems […]

New FirstBank branch model features teller pods

FirstBank’s next branch won’t have a traditional teller line. Instead, the bank will have what is known in the financial industry as “teller pods.” Teller pods were introduced into the mainstream by WaMu (shown at right – click on image to enlarge). When customers enter the bank, they will be greeted by a bank employee […]

Omaha Bank’s New Branch Concept Includes ‘Virtual Koi Pond’

First National Bank of Omaha has unveiled a new retail prototype at its new Shadow Lake Towne Center branch. Features include a “virtual Koi pond” that directs customers to interactive kiosks where they can conduct transactions or get information on products and services. The interactive floor display seems to be based off of technology from […]

Credit union adds third branch with nice design

University of Illinois Employees Credit Union, a $157 million financial institution, has a new branch in Urbana. The 6,500 square foot facility cost $2 million to build and will employ 20. Branch features include: A giant photo of UI’s Foellinger Auditorium covering the wall behind tellers A band of orange surrounds the walls, punctuated with […]

Designing branch interiors like a living room

This Memphis Business Journal article (PDF here) says the design of bank branches has become “a branding bonanza.” The article says the key to designing a bank or credit union is “making employees feel safe and comfortable while at the same time conveying the brand.” The article details the work of one Memphis architect’s work […]