[NABS-L] Local Banks

[Manahil Jafri]

Hi Armando, 

So I’ll preface this comment with the fact that I do utilize a major bank for my banking needs, however, this summer I am working for a local bank so I’m going to come at your question from that perspective. 

Local banks are really focused on serving the needs of individuals and strive to have a personal connection with their customers, verses larger banks which aim to streamline a simple-to-use platform to attract as many customers as possible. This is why you often see accessibility of banking tools (e.g. apps, ATMS, etc) more adaptable with screen readers in larger banks verses smaller ones. However, this does not mean that there are not local banks that have good accessibility features. The beauty of local banks is that they want to work with you for every step of the process, so they encourage you to give them a call or to visit one of their branches to get all your questions answered. Also, to get the full benefits of local banks is to utilize them for most, if not all, of your banking needs. There is some strategy and potential benefits of opening different accounts in various banks or applying for loans in different locations, but local banks often time offer benefit's for the duration of time you spend with them, as well as the amount of activity you do with them. They really want to build a relationship with you. 

This is not to discount larger banks however. They are usually way more streamline and simple to use, but, they do lack personal connection. Also, the relative ease of finding an ATM where you don’t need to pay additional fees is a perk of larger banks. 

The debate of local verses larger banks is an ongoing conversation, however, I would also encourage you to look into online banking. Most of the large online banking platforms are very accessible and it’s a new wave of banking that is extremely simple to navigate. 

If you have any further questions, just let me know. Hope I helped a little haha. 

All the best, 
Manahil 
-
Manahil Jafri
She/hers/her 
Fundraising Co-Chair | National Association of Blind Students 
Secretary and Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students  

> On Jul 26, 2022, at 4:02 PM, Armando Vias via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> I am thinking about starting all over with a new bank. I am thinking about switching to one of my local banks. What are your experiences with local banks?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> —
> Armando L. Vias
> Blind Advocate For Web-Accessibility And Disability Rights
> Byron/Houston County, GA
> Alumni | Georgia Academy For The Blind (GAB) (Class of 2021)
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