Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Regions Bank, Member FDIC, but all of the opinions and viewpoints expressed in this post are 100% my own.
What makes a bank a good bank?
It’s safe to assume that I probably think about this question more often than the average millennial. But being a personal finance blogger means that I’m always thinking about services, products, and tools that can help others manage their money.
What I like to see, more than anything, is innovation. When companies embrace technology to create a better experience for users, it’s a huge win.
That’s why I was so excited when Regions Bank reached out to me to talk about its new, modern, and user-friendly approach to banking. Regions is seriously changing everything from the way you visit branches to its digital solutions, and I couldn’t be more on-board with this massive change.
To celebrate Regions Bank’s new branches in my home state of Texas, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to talk to you about what to look for in a bank.
5 Things to Look For When Choosing a Bank
1. Innovation
When you get used to doing something for any length of time, it’s really easy to get comfortable. That is not what you want in a bank. You want your bank to get up and work on finding the best and newest solutions out there.
And with Regions Bank’s innovative new banking solutions, that’s exactly what you’re getting.
One of the most significant changes is that Regions Bank has completely redesigned the traditional bank branch. I recently got to visit one of Regions new branches, and it features a modern look and is full of advanced technology.
One of the features I really liked is the new Regions Video Banking ATMs (or VTMs). Instead of waiting in a long teller line to make deposits, get cash, or handle basic account maintenance, you can use a VTM to access a Video Banker. It’s an entirely new experience.
They work via live two-way video, so you still get one-on-one support from a human banker. Regions VTMs can expedite your branch visit, and you can access them during extended hours on weekdays, plus the weekends and most holidays in the 24-Hour Banking Vestibule (more on this shortly).
M$M tip: Take a look at Regions Bank’s new branches in Innovation That Delivers.
2. Human support
I freaking love technology, but I have to admit that there are times when human support is still the best way to get answers, especially for a nuanced topic like personal finance. Even some robo-advisors have embraced this idea to offer human support to their users.
This is a really cool thing about Regions Bank’s new approach to banking. They’ve added technology to enhance their customer’s experience while ensuring that you still have access to human bankers when you need it.
When you enter one of Regions’ new branches, you’re welcomed directly by a Regions Banker. They’ll direct you to a VTM if that’s more your style for basic banking needs. But if you want a real live person to help you, you’ve got it.
A Regions Banker can cash checks, accept deposits, and help customers open a checking or savings account. They can even help you develop a plan to reach your long-term financial goals.
Regions Bankers are also there to help you discuss the financial aspects of major life changes, like buying a house, getting married, having kids, starting a new job, and much more.
While you can get some of that with a financial app, you get a more personalized plan when you talk with an actual person. They can really understand your goals and any concerns you might have and easily ask follow-up questions if they need to.
M$M tip: Learn more about how Regions Bankers can help at Conversations You Should Have With Your Banker.
3. Online banking options
It’s almost 2020, and if your current bank isn’t offering the latest online banking options, then it’s time to find a new bank. It’s just that simple.
Fortunately, Regions Bank does not disappoint when it comes to online banking options. Here’s what all Regions customers now have access to:
- Regions Online Banking Portal. You can manage your accounts, pay bills, set up transfers, and much more.
- Regions Mobile Banking App. Directly from your smartphone is the easiest way to access your accounts. You can even deposit checks with a quick photo — this is, hands down, one of my favorite inventions of all time.
- Regions LockIt ®. Lose your debit card? Regions LockIt ® makes it easy to block transactions until you get a replacement card.
4. Accessibility
When I think about accessibility and banking, I think about how convenient it is to use your bank and have your needs met. Regions Bank’s innovative branches offer that kind of accessibility in several ways.
There’s a 24-Hour Banking Vestibule, where customers can get walk-up access to VTMs and ATMs. Seriously, this is 24/7 access. If you want to use the vestibule outside of normal business hours, your driver’s license unlocks the door.
Regions’ new branches have drive-thrus that are equipped with video banking ATMs and Deposit Smart ATMs. And if you ever lose or misplace your Regions debit card, all of the new branches have Instant Issue Debit Cards — you can walk in and have a new card within minutes.
And, all of these new features and award-winning service are available at Regions Bank’s newest location in the Houston market…
Briar Forest Branch
1502 Eldridge Parkway
Houston, TX 77077
The Briar Forest Branch opened on December 12, 2019. It joined approximately 1,427 Regions Bank branches across the South, Midwest, and Texas. The grand opening is on Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Regions Bank will continue strengthening its presence in the Houston market through the end of 2020 to 40 total locations total.
M$M: To learn more about the innovative new Regions Bank branches opening in Houston, read Get to Know the New Regions Bank.
5. Education
One of my favorite parts of running this site is hearing from people who have experienced financial successes, like destroying their student loans in just a few years, retiring early, etc. Besides hustle, what those people all have in common is that they learned as much as they could about improving their financial life.
Financial literacy is the key to a better financial future.
Regions Bank goes beyond ATMs and modernized branches, they are educating their customers on the best ways to manage their money. You’ll get that in person when you speak to a Regions Banker, and there’s even more online at Regions Next Step. This is an online resource full of financial tips and tools that will help you work on different aspects of your financial life.
Next Step has insights, calculators, a financial learning center, worksheets, infographics, and more. There are categories for budgeting, buying a home, talking about money with your kids, and advice for different life stages.
I took a look around the site, and here are some of my favorite resources from Next Step Insights section:
- Are You Ready to Move Out of Your Parent’s House
- Understanding Debt Consolidation
- Combining Finances After Marriage
- Calculator: What Are the Advantages of Increasing Monthly Payments
- Tips for Family Budgeting from the Better Budgeting Podcast Series
My final word on what to look for in a bank
If you read through that list and thought, “Man, my bank isn’t performing like it should be,” then good. The bank you use should be doing everything possible to win and keep your business.
If yours isn’t up to the challenge, then it’s time to walk away.
There are lots of options out there, and you deserve the kind of innovation, service, and support that Regions Bank has to offer.