Banks to keep their social responsibility in mind

Many bank customers are completely cut off from receiving personal service at their bank – simply because the cashier’s desk no longer exists. Others will have to stand in long lines, as is the case around the turn of the month at Danske Bank’s branch at Nørreport in Copenhagen.

"The financial sector needs to keep in mind that it has a social responsibility. And it is clear that a number of people still need to see a cashier to withdraw cash or get help otherwise," says Steen Lund Olsen, Vice President of Finansforbundet.

The newsletter Finans has previously described the growing discontent of those waiting in the long line in front of Danske Bank at Nørreport. The bank has shut down all other cashier’s desks, except one in Aarhus.

Other major banks have gone even further, the daily paper Børsen (in danish) noted yesterday. Nordea, Jyske Bank, Sydbank, Nykredit, Arbejdernes Landsbank and Spar Nord have all scrapped the cashier’s desk completely.

A rushed transition

Steen Lund Olsen finds it unfair to leave behind customers who lack digital skills or opportunities:

"I am aware that the banks have tried to help and make it easier for customers to transition to digital solutions. But in consideration of the long lines forming at points of assistance, the transition has probably been completed a little too fast”.

This is hardly good business for the banks?

"Sometimes you have to acknowledge your social responsibility. I encourage the banks to help their customers with the transition and spend as much time as it takes. Helping the less tech-savvy also creates goodwill in the local community."

A survey from the DaneAge Association shows that almost one in four over the age of 80 still prefers to pay in cash. Just as many regularly rely on friends or relatives to help them with their online or mobile banking needs.