As online banking becomes the norm for everyday transactions, physical bank branches are evolving into destinations for high-touch, relationship-based services. By making intentional interior and exterior design choices, banks can create welcoming, modern spaces that support consultations, highlight financial expertise and drive more foot traffic.
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When was the last time you visited a bank branch? If you can’t recall, you’re not alone. Most Americans have developed a preference for the frictionless convenience of online and mobile apps for day-to-day banking tasks in recent years, and the pandemic only further accelerated the shift away from in-person branch visits. A 2024 survey by the American Bankers Association found that 55% of consumers did their banking online in the past 12 months and just 8% visited a branch.
With routine transactions moving online, today’s branches are increasingly destinations for complex services such as loans, refinancing and financial planning. This shift demands a new approach to bank branch design—one that ensures brick-and-mortar locations remain competitive and future-ready.
Creating an environment both inside and outside of your bank branch that embraces the shift toward relationship-focused banking—and differentiates your branches from the competition—requires reimagining your bank branch design. There are a few key strategies that can help you transform your brick-and-mortar locations to better accommodate today’s banking experience and ensure you’re prepared for what’s next.
First impressions last, and your branch exterior should be both welcoming and hassle-free for visitors. Basics like re-striped parking lots, upgraded LED lighting and well-maintained landscaping are essential—but they’re only the starting point for modern bank branch design. To truly stand out, consider enhancements that elevate your exterior, such as trunk-wrap lighting for trees or transforming outdoor areas into gathering spots for client meetings and community events.
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Gone are the days of oversized Formica tables with pens chained to them. Today’s bank branch lobbies should feel inviting and reflect the type of clients and transactions banks want to attract. From customer support stations that direct visitors to the right advisor, to comfortable seating areas and even coffee bars, thoughtful lobby upgrades can elevate your overall bank branch design.
As your client base moves from customers seeking simple deposits and withdrawals to higher-touch transactions, adding high-end finishes that reflect this shift should be a consideration in your bank branch design. This could include upgrades to flooring and lighting, as well as higher-end countertops (think marble or granite). While painting is a must, reviewing your standard paint shades and moving to more modern color schemes should also be a consideration.
To accommodate the future of the banking experience, your branch interiors will likely need an overhaul. The need for fewer teller stations can make room for the additional areas you’ll need to define, such as collaborative work and meeting spaces and conference rooms. You may also want to consider adding restrooms designated for customers/separate from employees.
Making deliberate bank branch design choices that consider the evolving nature of today’s banking experiences can help position your bank for continued growth and ensure you’re well prepared for the future of banking in the short term and beyond.
Need a multi-site facilities maintenance partner to help upgrade and maintain your bank branches for the future of banking? Chain Store Maintenance – an MCS Company, is highly experienced in property services for banks and other commercial businesses. Contact CSMsales@ChainStore.com to learn how our design solutions can help you reimagine your spaces for today’s banking experience and what comes next.