Should You Open A Bank Account Online Or In Person?
Wondering whether to open your next bank account online or in person? This guide explores the pros and cons of both options, helping you make the best choice for your banking needs. Discover how online account opening offers convenience and efficiency, while in-person visits provide personalized guidance and enhanced security. Whether you're a banking novice or a seasoned pro, learn which method aligns best with your lifestyle and preferences.
These days, if you want to open a new checking account, such as a MIDFLORIDA Free Checking Account, you have several different options.
While you can still go to a physical branch and speak with a teller, you can also open a bank account online. This raises an important question—which is the best way to open a new account?
To be honest, there’s no one right answer. However, once you know the advantages of each method, you’ll be able to tell me which one is best for you.
Start your account application with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
The benefits of opening a bank account online
Opening an account online is more convenient
When you open an account through a credit union or bank’s website, you can do it whenever and wherever you like.
You don’t have to worry about visiting a brick-and-mortar branch during regular banking hours. Instead, you can choose the time that works best for you.
Opening an account online is less stressful
The convenience of opening an account online also has the added benefit of lowering the stress factor. You no longer have to worry about getting to a physical branch of your bank or credit union during your lunch break or rush to the branch after work before it closes.
Opening an account online also eliminates worries about forgetting one of your documents and wasting time. If you are missing a document, you can get it and continue the application without restarting it.
Opening an account online is more efficient
Opening an account in person involves a lot of waiting, from waiting in line to talk to a teller to waiting while a manager opens your new checking account. Online applications, though, make the process much more efficient.
Online checking applications let you avoid waiting in line and get right to filling out the application. Many forms contain pre-populated boxes to make the process even more efficient.
Finally, many credit unions and banks will instantly approve an online application so you can use your new checking account immediately.
Benefits of opening a bank account in person
While opening a checking account online has many benefits, there are still some advantages to opening an account in person.
You can speak directly with a bank employee
The most significant benefit of opening a checking account in person is that you can speak directly with an employee.
If you have any questions about opening up a new account, a teller or manager can answer them and troubleshoot any problems you might have.
Access to immediate advice
A banking employee can do more than just solve problems, though.
They can also give you valuable advice, such as:
- The best way to transfer money into your account
- How to set up your online bank account and mobile app
- When to expect your new debit card
- How to use features of your new account, like online bill pay
- How different checking accounts work, such as MIDFLORIDA’s High Yield Checking
If you’re new to banking or just new to the financial institution, you might want to visit a branch when opening a new account.
Opening an account in person can be more secure
Both credit unions and banks have top-of-the-line cybersecurity measures to ensure that every transaction is safe.
If you’re worried about your information's safety, opening an account in person at a branch is still the best option.
Even if you still have to fill out an online form, there’s a good chance you’ll be using the credit union or bank’s internal wi-fi, so your information will be protected.
How to decide whether to open a bank account online or in person
By this point, it should be evident that opening a bank account online and opening one in person both have advantages that the other does not. So which choice is the best for you?
Open an account in person if you’re new to banking
If you’re opening an account for the first time, you’ll want to do it in person at a credit union or bank branch.
You’ll probably have questions when filling out the application, and appreciate having someone nearby to help you.
If you’ve already opened an account or two, you’ll want to open your new account online. The process is pretty straightforward and doesn’t change much between different financial institutions.
Open an account online if you need the convenience
You’ll want to open your new account through the credit union or bank’s website if you have a busy schedule.
Otherwise, you’ll stress yourself out trying to fit a trip to the branch into your schedule.
Open a checking account online or in person at MIDFLORIDA
When you decide to open a checking account, most financial institutions give you the choice of filling out the application online or in person.
While opening a bank account online can be faster and more efficient, opening an account in person also has advantages. You get the personal touch of talking with an actual human and having an expert nearby to help you.
If you need more help deciding whether to open an account online or in person, contact MIDFLORIDA Credit Union and talk to one of our tellers. They’ll give you all the information you need to make a decision.
If you’re a new member, they’ll tell you what conditions you need to meet to get a $200 bonus for opening a MIDFLORIDA Free Checking account1.
Further Reading Recommendations
1 Offer valid as of July 15, 2024, and may be canceled at any time. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union membership and eligibility requirements apply. See associate for details regarding fees and terms. To qualify for the $200 incentive, you must open a new Free Checking account with direct deposit ($500 cumulative which must post within 60 days of account opening); accept and open online banking, online bill payment, eStatement, and a debit card; and complete 5 debit card purchase transactions in one calendar month (to be completed within the first 60 days of account opening). No dividends are paid on Free Checking. Annual Percentage Yield is 0.00%. Limit one incentive per Social Security number. Past checking account holders and previous recipients of checking account incentives are ineligible. The incentive will be deposited to new Free Checking account after the qualifications have been met, and will be reported to the IRS. Minimum to open Free Checking is $50.