It’s no secret that the online world is expanding, which includes the way you bank. With online banking, you can take care of almost all of your financial needs wherever there’s Wi-Fi connection (and let’s face it, most places have internet now). But for people who use local banks, they often ask: “Do I need online banking if I bank local?”
Our team at Cornerstone Bank loves two things: local banking and online banking. So why choose one when you can have both? When you combine the convenience of online banking with the service of a local bank in Kansas City, you get the perks of having a team nearby with the ability to bank wherever you want. It’s truly the best of both worlds!
How to Find a Local Bank in Kansas City →
For more information, keep reading to learn exactly how online banking is beneficial even if you bank local in Kansas City.
What is online banking?
Online banking is just as it sounds. Like going to your local branch, online banking allows you to check your account, make deposits, pay bills online, and even open accounts online! The biggest bonus is that you can bank wherever there’s internet connection, giving you flexibility to bank on your own time.
Think about it. Even if you bank locally, sometimes you just don’t have the time to visit the bank. With Kansas City continuing to grow, there’s a lot of hustle and bustle. During those times, all you have to do is open up a browser and you’re good to go (plus, a great bank will have a mobile app too!).
Benefits of online banking
To help you determine if you need online banking, let’s talk about the benefits of banking online. Trust us, there’s so many benefits that the list could go on and on. But for the sake of this blog, though we’ll narrow it down a bit.
Banking on the go
Online banking allows you to have banking options wherever you go. You can get through your financial errands without having the constraints of driving to yet another place.
Fast, simple, and easy
Online banking has made your banking needs less complex and more efficient. You no longer have to maneuver through confusing paperwork and long processes to deposit a check or to transfer funds from one account to another. All you need is internet access and you’re set!
Transfer money in a click
Online banking gives you the opportunity to access all of your accounts held at that bank. You can easily transfer money from your personal savings account to your checking account, and vice versa. Often times, the money is available right away, which can really help if you end up in a bind at a checkout line (haven’t we all been there?).
Partners with your mobile app
Most banks also have a mobile app that makes online banking even easier. With the help of mobile banking, you can stay up to date with your finances 24/7. According to Statistica, 62% of people in the U.S. say mobile banking keeps them aware of their financial situation. Therefore, mobile banking using an app is the perfect partner to keep you banking smart, even on the move.
Pay bills online
The great thing about online banking is that you can often pay your bills online. Not only is this a way to eliminate excess paper, you can also easily manage when bills are paid. This allows for better organization, which can take away a lot of stress. Keep in mind that different banks allow for different payment options, so be sure to ask your bank questions for more information.
Benefits of local banking in Kansas City
Some people are still on the fence about local banking, especially when big banks are all over the place. But since you already know the benefits of online banking, just think about what happens when you combine them with the benefits of banking locally.
Local banks support the community
Local banks help build up the community because it’s just as important to them as it is to you. You may see them host fundraisers or participate in local runs. Either way, a local bank wants to see the city grow and succeed.
Plus, when you deposit money or buy a CD, usually a larger portion is returned back to the city than with national banks. This reinvestment in the local economy can come via:
- Employee wages
- Investment in local businesses
- The bank purchasing local goods and services
Same services, lower costs
Oftentimes local banks offer the same services as big banks, including loans, a variety of accounts, and online banking, but the fees associated with them are usually lower. On average, a local bank will also have better interest rates. That means you’ll be able to use that extra money to start a savings account or splurge on something nice.
Personalized support
Local banks are known to be more personal with their customers. Strong customer service turns banking into a relationship, rather than a series of transactions. These relationships can help open a variety of doors for local bank customers by allowing networking opportunities within the community. And trust us when we say you’ll feel a lot more educated and informed about your finances and accounts, too!
In addition, a local bank is more likely to work with a customer and understand his or her circumstances before making final decisions. This gives you peace of mind that you’ll be treated like a person, not an account number.
Extended weekend service
A local bank that cares will work with you even on the weekends. Unfortunately, with a national bank, you’ll have to wait until the next business day to solve your problems—or you could test your luck with an impersonal, automated phone service.
At Cornerstone Bank, we understand that banking problems don’t just happen Monday through Friday. That’s why all of our officers provide our customers with their cellphone numbers to give the best service seven days a week.
Better for local businesses
Local banks are local businesses, so they understand what it means to be successful in Kansas City. Some national banks won’t offer loans to local businesses simply because they don’t understand the area. On the other hand, a local bank knows the community intimately and is more likely to understand how best to help your business thrive.
Benefits of Online Banking for Business →
Great customer service
National banks tend to be impersonal, which means their overall customer experience can take a hit. If you speak to a representative, they may be thousands of miles away from you, and therefore distant from the problem. However, local banks are just around the corner. They see your problems through the same lens, which makes problem solving much easier and stress free.
Plus, turnover rates are usually a lot lower at a local bank. Because of this, bankers are able to build a rapport with their customers and truly get to know the people they serve. (The majority of our loan officers have been with Cornerstone Bank for 10 years or more!)
Read more about the best bank customer service in Kansas City.
Local decision making
With national banks, decision-makers usually aren’t in your city, but they are in charge of what happens to your local branch. Reports may help, but there’s nothing quite like actually being in the same area to understand how best to serve it. That’s exactly what you’ll get with a local bank.
On a personal basis, local businesses can make special circumstances based on a customer’s specific needs rather than treating everyone the same. This is great when it comes to loans or opening up a new credit card. A local bank will listen to you instead of just looking at numbers.
For those who already need online banking, if you bank local in Kansas City, you gain access to a bank with ties in the city while still being able to take care of your financial needs on the go. Basically, it’s a win-win situation.
Learn more about switching banks in Kansas City. →
Why you should bank locally and online bank with Cornerstone Bank
At Cornerstone Bank, we’re proud to be a local bank in Kansas City that offers online banking for all of our customers. With us, you get one-of-a-kind personalized treatment (don’t be surprised if we greet you by name when you come in).
But unlike other local banks, we’re still on the top of the newest banking trends. That’s exactly why we use the latest technology to bring our customers the best online banking and mobile banking have to offer.
Simply speaking, we make answering the question, “do I need online banking if I bank local?” easier than ever to answer. Why? Because online banking at Cornerstone Bank is simple, easy, and quick. Plus, we have the best banking team to guide you along the way. Here are some of the great benefits that come when you work with Cornerstone Bank.
We thrive on excellent customer service.
Banking is an experience, from the moment you walk into the office until the moment you leave. We treat each of our customers just like we treat our family, because at the end of the day, we are a family. We care about what’s going on in your life, and we want to make sure that you feel at home when you visit.
We’re still available even when we’re closed.
Closed, schmosed. Even though the office doors may be locked, we’re still always here to help. We understand that sometimes problems arise without warning, so we’ll never leave you stuck, not even on the weekends. You can always access your account online, but as a bonus, our bankers at Cornerstone Bank give all of our customers their cell phone numbers for extended support. Call us anytime, and we’ll be there for you.
We actually believe the customer comes first.
Simply speaking, you come first at Cornerstone Bank, and we don’t just say that because it sounds good. You are part of our community, which is full of unique people with a variety of needs. Because of this, we offer different banking options to fit our customers. Everyone is valued no matter who they are, how many accounts they have, or how big their accounts are.
We offer the latest banking technologies.
At Cornerstone Bank, we keep in touch with what’s new in the banking world to give you the latest and greatest banking has to offer. Because of that, we make online banking with a local bank straightforward and simple.
For mobile banking, our touch-ID feature makes login fast and easy, and you can check your balances in an instant. What’s more? We’ll keep evolving as technology changes, so you won’t ever have to worry about falling behind.
Learn more about how Cornerstone Bank is different from other local banks
Get started with Cornerstone Bank today
We’re not going to say you need online banking if you bank locally in Kansas City, but it does make local banking that much easier (and convenient!). Since 2001, Cornerstone Bank has provided the best local banking experience, and we plan to continue doing so for years to come.
We want to get to know you! Visit our office or give us a call at (913) 239-8100 to let us know how we can help. But if you truly love working online, you can quickly visit our website and open an account online.