When you have a busy day with lots of errands to run, the bank drive-up can be a life-saver. You can take care of your transactions and many other banking needs without leaving your vehicle. It’s easy, and we could all use a little more “easy” in our lives.
But the last thing you want is a long wait at the drive-up. After our lobbies closed for Covid-19, we quickly adjusted our drive-ups to be able to provide a lot more services. That means there are some transactions that just take more time.
While our Personal Bankers work hard to make the process as easy and efficient as possible, they can use your help. Here are a few things you can do to help make the drive-up move faster and smoother for you and your fellow bank patrons.
Here’s what you can do to make things go faster
Prepare ahead of time
Endorse your checks, fill out your deposit slips, and do all of your paperwork before you get into your vehicle and head to the bank. Make your life easier by doing this ahead of time and having it ready to go. Ask your Personal Banker for a few extra deposit slips to prepare for your next drive-up visit.
Send your ID with every transaction
No matter what type of transaction, always send your picture ID. If a transaction is sent without an ID, Personal Bankers are required to take additional verification steps. Include your picture ID to eliminate this step for our Personal Bankers, and shave some time off of your bank visit.
End your phone call or put the caller on hold
Holding two conversations at once is hard, and adding a bank transaction to the mix makes things move pretty slowly. Even if you’re an excellent multi-tasker, you’re an even better single-tasker. While you’re at the drive-up, end your phone call or put your call on hold.
Use any open lanes
There’s something nice about seeing a smiling face in front of you, especially right now. But the window lane is also the Commercial Business lane, and that could mean longer wait times. Commercial customers have multiple transactions, and, in general, require services that take much longer.
If there is a line at the window, head over to a different lane. Several Personal Bankers are usually inside, ready to assist at multiple drive-up lanes. If there’s a car in the Commercial lane (window lane), make it a habit to use a different lane for your transaction. It can end up saving you a significant amount of time.
Speak loudly and clearly
Speaking at a drive-up is different than talking face to face. Always turn toward the microphone while you’re talking. Speak clearly and slightly louder than usual. If you can’t understand the Personal Banker, make sure you tell them and, if necessary, ask them to speak up.
Reduce background noise
Before you get to the drive-up eliminate background noise such as a loud engine or music. This will ensure everyone can hear clearly, and decrease your wait time.
Call ahead for transactions that take more time
Some transactions require more time. For instance, vehicle registration renewal or certain disputes take longer to complete and hold up the line. Call ahead for these types of transactions and ask if you can either make an appointment or make the process quicker by preparing anything ahead of time. If you have a lengthier transaction, please use the Commercial window.
Here are some services to call ahead about:
- Cashier’s checks and money orders
- Statements and images of checks
- Disputes
- Open an account
- Vehicle registration renewal
- Multiple transactions
Final Thoughts
We always look forward to seeing our customers! Still, we also know that you appreciate the convenience. You can finish many of your banking needs, such as depositing checks, money transfers and check balances, in the comfort of your home through Marine Bank’s secure digital banking options. Both our online banking and mobile app make banking fast and easy - even if you can’t physically make it to the bank.
If you have any questions or need assistance, we want to talk with you. Please call us at (217)726-0660, email us at support@ibankmarine.com, or visit our online chat at ibankmarine.com.