A customer’s relationship with his bank goes beyond just depositing funds in his account. He should also be able to enjoy other services including the provision of credit because banks are major lending institutions.
It is however not uncommon to see customers complain that banks are always eager to collect deposits from them but never ready to give anything in return.
Having a closer relationship with your bank will avail you the opportunity to know more about the products that your bank offers and how you can enjoy better services.
One way to get the best out of your bank is to know who your account officer is.
Banks usually attach their officers to different bank accounts to monitor individual customers.
Many customers do not care about knowing their account officers because they are just comfortable with going to the banking hall to do their transactions.
You are however advised not to disclose your account password or other confidential details that you use in operating your electronic transactions to anybody including your account officer.
During one of your visits to your bank, you can ask to personally meet your account officer so that you will be sure of the person you are talking to.
The following are some of the advantages of knowing your account officer:
- Loans: Many depositors often complain that banks do not give out loans because they have never been able to access one. Yet, the fact still remains that a lot of customers access bank loans regularly. Getting closer to your bank by relating with your account officer can increase your chances of getting your loan application approved. Your account officer will be able to look through your cash flow and enlighten you on how to avoid the cumbersome process of getting a loan facility. He will also be able to explain to you the terms involved in taking a bank loan.
- Cheque confirmation: Your account officer can help to confirm your cheque if there is any issue with it. Sometimes, the bank may want to reach you on the phone to be sure you actually issued a cheque before it makes the payment.
- Financial advice: Your bank can be a good financial adviser to you concerning a particular venture you want to invest your money in. Your account officer can give you options on where to fix your idle funds to earn you more rewarding interest such as in stocks and bonds.
- Account verification: Your account officer can assist in verifying transactions on your account. For instance, if you do an online transaction and the money leaves your account but the receiver did not get it, you can call your account officer to verify it for you instead of going to the bank amidst your tight schedule.
- Better services: Your account officer can help you to resolve issues that arise on your account without you necessarily going to the banking hall. He can also help you to get some services like assisting in processing foreign exchange for your foreign trips, advising you on what to do if you have issues with your online accounts and other transactions involving your bank account.
