The COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the adoption of digital banking, as an increasing number of clients opt for mobile and online services to fulfil their financial obligations. This has caused a nationwide bank branch closure record, with Pennsylvania experiencing the most with 147 closed branches in 2021.
The situation has deteriorated further in 2024, with six additional branches slated to cease operations within the following month. This article aims to examine the causes, consequences, and potential alternatives and solutions for the impacted communities and consumers of this phenomenon.
Read more: Massive Bank Branches in Florida Have Now Unexpectedly Shutdown for 2024
Branches scheduled for permanent closure
- 650 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh – Huntington NB
- 5301 Grove Rd, Pittsburgh – Citizens Bank
- 153 West Orange St, Shippensburg- Citizens Bank
- 11000 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia – Citizens Bank
- 824 East St Rd, Warminster- Citizens Bank
- 5142 State Rt 30, Greensburg – Citizens Bank
A closer look: more closings are coming up
Besides the six sites that were named, many more are expected to close across the state. Banks like Citizens Bank, Bank of America, and PNC Bank have to make the tough choice of closing down several stores in different places.
Citizens Bank Branches
Citizens Bank – 6601 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia
Citizens Bank – 1 East Main St, Lititz
Bank of America Branches
Bank of America – 3475 Aramingo Avenue, Philadelphia
Bank of America – 3100 Garrett Road, Drexel Hill
Bank of America – 6 East Trenton Avenue, Morrisville
Bank of America – 2439 Welsh Road, Philadelphia
PNC Bank Branches
PNC Bank – 202 N Walnut St, Bath
PNC Bank – 301 West Trenton Ave, Morrisville
PNC Bank – 14 N Main St, Plains
PNC Bank – Two North Mill St, New Castle
PNC Bank – 1969 E 3rd St, Williamsport
Reasons Why Banks Close Branch
Trying to save money is a big reason why banks close branches. They have to because of tough working conditions like low-interest rates, government rules, and more competition. When banks combine their store networks, they can cut costs and work more efficiently. One bank that said it wanted to save $8 billion a year by 2023 was Wells Fargo, which had the most stores close in 2021.
Also read: Significant Bank Branches in California Have Been Unexpectedly Closed for 2024
Customers’ changing habits and tastes are another reason why bank branches are closing. More and more people prefer to do their banking online instead of going to the office. A poll by J.D. Power found that 30% of US retail bank users did not visit a branch in the past year. This is up from 24% in 2019.
Also, the pandemic has sped up the use of mobile and online banking as customers look for ease, safety, and speed. A study from S&P Global says that in 2020, the number of people using mobile banking rose by 50% and the number of people using online banking rose by 35%.
What Happens When Banks Close Locations?
When a bank branch closes, it affects both the people who use it and the areas where it’s located. People who use banks may lose access to important services when branches close, like depositing and withdrawing cash, cashing checks, applying for loans, and getting financial help.
This could hurt customers who are older, poor, or live in rural areas the most because they might not know how to use technology, have access to the internet, or trust others enough to use online and mobile banking. A report from the Federal Reserve says that 22% of people in the US are either unbanked or underbanked. This means they don’t have a bank account and instead use other banking services.
When banks close branches, they may take away an important source of economic activity, jobs, and social capital for the areas they serve. Bank branches can help local companies grow, create jobs, and improve the neighbourhood. They can also help people feel like they fit, trust, and have an identity. A study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition found that when bank branches close, they can hurt the income, poverty, and jobless rates of the areas where they happen.
What Can Be Done to Avoid Closing Bank Branches?
Despite the problems that come with bank store closings, some things can be done to lessen their effects. One thing that banks can do is switch to a hybrid form of banking, in which they use both digital and physical means to give customers a smooth and personalised experience.
Like, some banks have opened smaller, better stores where they use technology like biometric registration, video tellers, and self-service machines to make the services faster and easier to use. Some banks have also teamed up with outside businesses, like stores, post offices, and fintech firms, to give banking services at their sites.
Also read: Unfortunately, A Massive Bank in the State of Michigan is Closing Its Doors
If a customer wants to move banks, they can go to one that has a branch close by or better digital banking choices. Some customers might choose to use a neighbourhood bank or credit union instead since these institutions tend to be more local and have loyal customers. Neobanks and digital-only banks offer Internet and mobile banking services but don’t have any real offices. Some customers may also prefer to use these types of banks. These banks may have more unique features, lower fees, and better interest rates than regular banks.
Another option for communities is to ask for help from the government and non-profits that work to promote financial inclusion and development. Some programmes and efforts, like the Community Reinvestment Act, the Bank On movement, and the Financial Empowerment Centres, help banks, customers, and communities get better access to and use of banking services by giving them rewards, resources, and advice.
These programmes and efforts can help people who are neglected and don’t have bank accounts with their money problems and needs.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 epidemic has expedited the closure of bank branches in Pennsylvania, with 147 closing in 2021 and six more planned to close. Major banks, including Citizens Bank, Bank of America, and PNC Bank, claim cost-cutting measures and changing client preferences as reasons for greater Internet banking during the epidemic.
The closures pose accessibility problems, particularly among the elderly, impoverished, and rural areas, leading to demands for hybrid banking models and partnerships with the government and non-profits to solve financial inclusion issues.