How often do you actually go into a bank, and why?

[humandraydel]

I agree with some of what BA said. Lots of it is probably about "brand awareness" and promoting the convenience factor of a bank. Most people probably like knowing that they can get to their bank (read: ATM) anywhere around town.

[kimiko]

I go in there to deposit checks, withdraw amount larger than the ATM would allow and visit the safety deposit box. Since everything is set up for direct deposit, the only checks I need to deposit are refund/rebate checks. Overall, I average 3-4 times a year.

I don't trust the check deposit at ATM. I don't trust the teller much either, but at least the transactions in the bank have less chance of getting error or some other problems.

[disneysteve]

I don't trust the check deposit at ATM. I don't trust the teller much either, but at least the transactions in the bank have less chance of getting error or some other problems.

I don't remember the details, but my cousin, who is a bank VP, once explained that there is actually less opportunity for fraud or teller dishonesty, with ATM deposits. He said they see a lot more cases of tellers stealing funds from in-person transactions.

[Hedy]

Honestly, I think the last time I spoke with a teller was shortly after I graduated in May 06. I can open accounts online and get loans online, so I don't really see a need to go.
Other than getting foriegn money, I can't think of why I'd visit a bank teller. OTOH, the bank account I had when I was figuring out "adult" banking in my mid-teens charged me for seeing a teller ($7, IIRC, which is a lot to a teenager), which probably affects my views.

[mom-from-missouri]

I almost always go into the bank. 2 times in the last 10 years I have had a deposit "lost" by an ATM. Once, it was due to a fire in St. Louis at a banking computer center, and the other time the power went out and flickered while my card was in the ATM. I had to go back the next day to get my card and there was no record of the deposit, yet the bank did find the deposit in the machine-it just was not on the computer tape.
In this small town, I always go into the bank. The tellers know I am new to the area, and have introduced me to others while I have been in there. The kids get suckers. That is also where the community activities board is located.

[scfr]

I go in about 3-4 times a month, usually to deposit checks or get cash (I don't use ATMs). I also get things notarized, get a signature guarantee, and visit the safety deposit box. The most important reason I go inside a bank is that I have had better luck getting higher CD rates when I ask in person to someone who knows me personally than when I deal with a bank only on-line or by phone.

But I am also baffled by the number of branches popping up in my area. In one case a bank has 2 branches that are only about 5 blocks apart.

[kimiko]

I don't remember the details, but my cousin, who is a bank VP, once explained that there is actually less opportunity for fraud or teller dishonesty, with ATM deposits. He said they see a lot more cases of tellers stealing funds from in-person transactions.

Can't dispute that given that a teller recently stole my mom money, but I feel better if I can see my transaction go through right then and there and have my balance updated to reflect the change. It also makes me feel more secure that I have a name and a face to point to should something happen. The security camera showing exactly what I handed over help too.

With the machine, well, it could up and eat your deposit and the bank can say they didn't receive it.

[BTC]

I bet I haven't been to a bank in 4-5 years.

[Hypersion]

I go in once every few months to get $20 worth of quarters for the laundry machines or to cash a ebay buyer's check.

Everything else is online.

[snafu]

Kimiko, I don't suggest you change your practice but hope you realize ATM's security cameras film each transaction while your receipt details your transaction, date, time, machine, sums deposited/withdrawn etc. You are in the strongest position to resolve any error.
I've been using ATMs all over the world because of the increased security.

[Taribor]

My bank (USAA) allows me to deposit checks at home usings my scanner and the money goes straight to my account. My loans with them are complete over the phone and fax. They they also reimburse me all atm fees so I really have no reason to set foot in a bank anymore, and it is fantastic.

[filifefc]

once a month.....ATM

No other reasons to go in, i guess

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Once a month to get quarters for parking. Where else can I get them? Stores won't do $20 of quarters, they get pissed.

[filifefc]

Forgot to mention, I drop by Commerce Bank when I need a new pen!

[omicron]

I only go in to deposit my checks in the drop box (2 to 3 times a year). The last time I talked to a teller was to close my account.