Thoughtful Thursday – Banks and Capital

piggybankBanks big and small are looking for ways to raise capital. Some are selling off assets, others are slashing dividends to shareholders and many of them are trying to get injections of cash in the way of new accounts.

In the old days, banks got new accounts with giveaways like toasters, but that disappeared in the days when the 5% minimum interest rate on savings accounts went away because interest rates had soared. Gone were the giveaways since people were only too eager to plop money into an account to earn interest at such high rates.

With rates at abysmal levels like 1% or 2%, banks are back to giveaways to try and entice new accounts. As I walk past the various branches on each corner in Manhattan (which makes you wonder why there are so many branches and banks when there is so little money nowadays), there are the enticements.

Earn up to $500 for referring a friend (Citibank)
Get 5% interest and a 5% bonus (Wachovia)

Sounds good right? Until you read the fine print and see that there are several “qualifying acts” that you have to do. Set up direct deposits, make payments online, use your debit card X number of times . . .

You get it. Hoops. Lots and lots of hoops to jump through to get your giveaway.

Here’s an idea for all those banks trying to raise capital.

Give your new account holders a decent interest rate with no strings attached. I know the banks are only getting 4% to 5% on new mortgages, but there are those ridiculous interest rates you charge credit card holders.

You’re the numbers people. Surely you can find some happy medium where your clients will earn a little more by savings and you’ll still make some money from credit purchases and raise capital?

Or if you can’t figure that out, just give me the damned toaster or maybe a nice blu-ray DVD player.

What do you think?

3 Replies to “Thoughtful Thursday – Banks and Capital”

  1. It’s embarrassing how much stuff I possess from banks back in the old days.
    Blankets, clock radio, toaster oven, silverware, cutlery set, dishes…my mother and grandmother kept opening accounts and I was newly married.

    It would take a Blu ray thinger or iPod or Ferrari for me to open another account now. What’s that you say? Citibank is offering little red cars????? I’m off.

  2. I remember when I opened my first savings account. I was young and didn’t have a lot but I got a nice wallet and checkbook holder. Probably cost more than my deposit. 😆 Now you get nothing and your return is about the same. Oh well, I miss the good old days.(sometimes). Have a great day and hugs to all.

  3. LOL on the toaster! You do have some thoughtful things to consider here. I agree with you. And banks need to stop creating all the hoops as a come on!

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