In the age of online banking and neo-banking, we can legitimately wonder about the relevance of having a bank advisor, can't we? Indeed, with a decline in the number of people visiting physical branches, it has become very rare to meet one's banker, except when he or she requests it. Nevertheless, their presence is always appreciated, especially when it comes to major projects such as real estate.
The role of the bank advisor
Generally speaking, every customer has the right to privileged contact with an account manager, also known as a customer advisor, account manager or simply bank advisor.
Your advisor looks after several customers. It's important to check in with him or her on a regular basis, as the relationship you'll develop will facilitate your exchanges. By keeping your bank advisor up to date on your real estate projects, he or she will have the resources needed to provide the right advice for your personal situation.
Your banking advisor will discuss your income, debts and expenses, as well as payment facilities and methods, and your insurance policies. His or her role is mainly to advise you on how to keep your bank accounts and savings in order, or how to optimize your credit management.
The value of a banking advisor lies not only in day-to-day support, but also in the ability to provide expertise in a particularly specialized field (credit, savings, wealth management, etc.).
Change bank, change advisor
According to a recent study, 36% of people who decide to change bank do so because of insufficient service quality, such as the quality of their relationship with their advisor, the quality of advice, the availability of the professional or the level of expertise. The attrition rate (or loss of customers) has risen from 2.5% to 4. 3% on average over the past 5 years.
At the same time, the emergence and boom of online banks and neobanks can be explained by the digitization of bank account management. Today, the offer is almost entirely remote. In concrete terms, customers can access their accounts, make transfers and order chequebooks via a banking application.
If the customer wishes to contact a bank advisor, all he or she has to do is send an e-mail, make a phone call or even send a message via social networks in some cases, or via the integrated chat on the bank's website. And all this is free of charge.
Online banks and neobanks rely on technological innovations to present a so-called disruptive offering, specially designed to be used via a smartphone or computer. Pricing is often minimalist for most services.
To have a bank advisor or not?
In 2020, consumers and customers have less need of a face-to-face bank advisor to manage their day-to-day accounts. With the Internet, they have become more autonomous in this management.
On the other hand, for complex operations, it's always easier to go and speak to a bank advisor, who will be able to guide you through the steps to take and explain the options available to you.