Breaking Free from Big Banks

Breaking Free from Big Banks: Discover the Advantages of Community Banking

From impersonal service to excessive fees and limited local involvement, there are several reasons why people are increasingly seeking alternatives to big banks.

One of the biggest complaints about big banks is their impersonal approach to customer service. Often, customers feel like a number in a system, making it challenging to receive individualized attention and tailored financial solutions. Community banks, on the other hand, are known for their local knowledge and personalized service. By focusing on building relationships with their customers, community banks can understand your unique financial needs and provide attentive, personalized guidance.

Many big banks are notorious for their complex fee structures leaving customers frustrated and financially burdened. In contrast, community banks offer fair and transparent fee structures and may even provide generous complimentary services as part of the features and and benefits of their accounts. Choosing a community bank can help you avoid unpleasant surprises and save money in the long run.

For many, feeling a sense of connection to their local community is very important. Community banks, by their very nature, are deeply rooted in their communities. They actively support local businesses through loans and financial services, contribute to community development initiatives, and sponsor local events. By banking with a community bank, you become an integral member of a team working to foster local economic growth and development.

The decision-making process in big banks can be slow, bureaucratic, and lacking in flexibility. Decisions regarding loans, mortgages, and other credit approvals are often based on rigid criteria and standardized algorithms, leaving little room for considering an individual’s circumstances. Community banks take a more personal approach, where local decision-makers understand the nuances of the community and make lending decisions based on character, relationships, and local market insights. This flexibility can greatly benefit individuals and businesses, especially during challenging economic times. Throughout the recent pandemic, community banks demonstrated their agility by swiftly supporting existing customers and customers of big banks (who couldn’t get a call back from their big bank) with PPP and other pandemic relief programs.

If you're tired of impersonal service, big fees, and limited local involvement from your big bank, it's time to consider a community bank. By making the switch, you can enjoy a better banking experience while actively contributing to the growth and well-being of your local community

Author BankIn Minnesota