Major bank announces nationwide change amid digital shift
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In an era where the digital landscape is rapidly transforming the way we manage our finances, the convenience of online banking has become the norm for many Australians.
With a significant shift towards digital banking and payment methods, we've seen a trend of bank branches closing their doors, leaving some customers yearning for the personal touch of in-branch services.
Despite this trend, National Australia Bank (NAB) is taking a bold step in the opposite direction by extending the opening hours of 12 branches across the nation.
The move by NAB is a refreshing change for customers who value face-to-face interactions when it comes to their banking needs.
From 30 November, selected NAB branches in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia will welcome customers on Saturdays.
This decision was strategically made based on locations with high foot traffic, particularly in shopping centres, ensuring convenience for customers as they run their weekend errands.
NAB Executive Paul Carter explained that the initiative is part of the bank's ongoing efforts to enhance service and accessibility.
'It can be hard to fit everything in the working week; from last-minute dentist appointments to scheduling a car service, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day,' Carter said.
‘We’re extending the opening hours of select branches based on where the demand is—to give our customers the flexibility they need to get expert advice when it suits them best.’
By offering extended hours on Saturdays, NAB aims to provide the flexibility their customers need to receive expert advice at a time that suits them best.
The branches set to open on Saturdays are strategically located in bustling areas, including the following:
To this end, NAB has invested more than $41 million in 28 branch locations, including 11 regional towns.
‘We are also investing in more local home lenders to be there for our customers and support them when making the biggest purchase of their lives,’ Carter said.
This development comes at a time when the banking industry has seen more than 1,600 bank branches close across the country in the last five years, with 230 shut in the last financial year alone, according to Canstar analysis of APRA Points of Presence data.
NAB itself has closed 236 branches in the last five years, including 53 in the last year. However, with 420 branches remaining across the country, NAB is showing that it values the importance of physical banking options for its customers.
Have you embraced online banking, or do you still prefer the traditional branch experience? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.
With a significant shift towards digital banking and payment methods, we've seen a trend of bank branches closing their doors, leaving some customers yearning for the personal touch of in-branch services.
Despite this trend, National Australia Bank (NAB) is taking a bold step in the opposite direction by extending the opening hours of 12 branches across the nation.
The move by NAB is a refreshing change for customers who value face-to-face interactions when it comes to their banking needs.
From 30 November, selected NAB branches in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia will welcome customers on Saturdays.
NAB announced it will extend its opening hours nationwide. Credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood / Facebook
This decision was strategically made based on locations with high foot traffic, particularly in shopping centres, ensuring convenience for customers as they run their weekend errands.
NAB Executive Paul Carter explained that the initiative is part of the bank's ongoing efforts to enhance service and accessibility.
'It can be hard to fit everything in the working week; from last-minute dentist appointments to scheduling a car service, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day,' Carter said.
‘We’re extending the opening hours of select branches based on where the demand is—to give our customers the flexibility they need to get expert advice when it suits them best.’
By offering extended hours on Saturdays, NAB aims to provide the flexibility their customers need to receive expert advice at a time that suits them best.
The branches set to open on Saturdays are strategically located in bustling areas, including the following:
- Cannington (WA)
- Karrinyup (WA)
- Marion (SA)
- Dandenong (VIC)
- Hoppers Crossing (VIC)
- Doncaster (VIC)
- Bankstown (NSW)
- Parramatta Westfield (NSW)
- Liverpool (NSW)
- Chermside (QLD)
- Sunnybank Plaza (QLD)
- Carindale (QLD)
To this end, NAB has invested more than $41 million in 28 branch locations, including 11 regional towns.
‘We are also investing in more local home lenders to be there for our customers and support them when making the biggest purchase of their lives,’ Carter said.
This development comes at a time when the banking industry has seen more than 1,600 bank branches close across the country in the last five years, with 230 shut in the last financial year alone, according to Canstar analysis of APRA Points of Presence data.
NAB itself has closed 236 branches in the last five years, including 53 in the last year. However, with 420 branches remaining across the country, NAB is showing that it values the importance of physical banking options for its customers.
