Commercial banks remain an essential part of our lives, in spite of the evolution of the internet and digital banking. We still have to visit the banking hall for one reason or the other. The bank is full of all sorts of people, with all sorts of temperaments. There are a number of things to do when you go to the bank so that you have a smooth experience. Here are a few reminders:
Go with your Pen!
To make life easy for yourself always go to the banking hall with a pen. Even though the bank provides pens, they might not be functional and someone else might be using them. So that you don’t turn into a pen beggar, take a pen with you. Give your pen to anyone who asks, and make sure you get it back. Ensure that you’re done with it before giving it out. Not having a pen can delay you by several minutes. To save yourself time and stress, try to have one. You could even take an extra pen, and give that out to someone in need.
Be Nice to Bank Staff
The bank staff are trained to be nice to customers. Good, morning, you’re welcome to … bank. Do have a nice day, Sir/Madam. However, due to the stress of the job, they might not act out their niceness as usual. When that happens, be nice to them, from the security to the cashier and customer care representatives, whomever you come across. Try not to blame the bank staff for the bank’s problems. They don’t own the bank and aren’t the cause of the issues you are facing. Help make their job easy by not arguing with them. If they are rude, don’t engage in a back-and-forth. It’s not worth it. Get what you need and leave.
Treat everyone with respect. From the security man to the cashier, cleaner, and everyone else you come across should be
treated with the utmost respect. Try not to look down on anyone. It’s just not cool. Remember, in the bank anyone can be of assistance. They work there daily and know what to do. Don’t write anyone off.
Stay in Queue
Everyone cannot be attended to at the same time. It is impossible. Please stay in the queue. Do not jump the line, or try to be smart. If you follow the queue, everyone will be attended to. Before you join a queue, ensure you’re in the right line, so that you don’t start queuing all over again. And when someone tells you they are behind you on the line and go to do something else, take note of their face. It’s not bad to keep space in line for a fellow Nigerian. To avoid long queues, some people try to go to the bank early. If you are bored in the queue, you could listen to music with an earpiece, or watch the news on the bank monitors. It will be your turn in no time. Do not hesitate to call out anyone jumping the line.
Assist Older People, People with Disabilities, Pregnant and Nursing Mothers
Preference should be given to older people, people with disabilities and nursing and pregnant women. If the bank staff do not notice that these ones need preference, allow God to use you. Move them to the front of the queue. Get up and give them your seat. Help them fill out forms. Give them your pen. Do whatever is necessary to help them get things done quickly.
Fill Forms Carefully
Remember that the forms you are filling out contain vital information. Try to write things out clearly and boldly so that the person attending to you can get the information they need. Ask questions when you need clarification. Do not take a guess. You might make a mistake.
Ensure you have your Bank Verification Number
The bank Verification Number (BVN) is very important and can be requested to complete certain transactions. Ensure you have it memorized or saved somewhere on your device. Don’t worry, no one can access your account through your BVN.
Be Clean
The banking hall is open to everyone, yes. But that shouldn’t stop you from having your bath, brushing your teeth and putting on proper clothing. You’ll be in the presence of people. Don’t look like a hobo. Dress properly. Wear decent clothes. When you dress properly, you’ll be treated with respect.
