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Definition
A high street bank, also known as a retail bank or a commercial bank, is a financial institution that provides a wide range of banking services to individual consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and sometimes larger corporations.
What is a high street bank?
High street banks are typically distinguished by their physical presence in prominent locations, often on the main commercial streets of towns and cities.
High street banks offer a comprehensive suite of financial services, including but not limited to:
- Depository services: This includes savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit, and other types of deposit accounts.
- Lending services: This encompasses various types of loans
- Payment services: High street banks facilitate electronic funds transfers, issue debit and credit cards, and offer services like bill payment.
- Investment services: Some high street banks provide investment advice, brokerage services, and products like mutual funds and annuities.
- Foreign exchange services: They offer services for exchanging currencies for travel or international transactions.
- Insurance services: Many high street banks also provide insurance products
- Wealth management: High street banks offer specialised services for high-net-worth clients, including asset management and estate planning.
High street banks have expanded their services to include robust online and mobile banking platforms. This allows customers to conduct transactions, access account information, and perform various banking activities remotely.
High street banks operate extensive networks of ATMs which allow customers to withdraw cash, deposit checks, and perform other basic banking functions outside of regular branch hours.
Example of a high street bank
Imagine ABC Bank as a high street bank with branches in various locations across a city.
- Retail services: The bank offers a variety of retail banking services, including savings accounts, checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards, catering to the financial needs of individual customers.
- ATM network: ABC Bank has an extensive network of ATMs, allowing customers to withdraw cash, check balances, and perform basic banking transactions conveniently.
- Digital banking: In addition to its physical presence, ABC Bank also offers digital banking services, allowing customers to access their accounts, make transactions, and manage finances online.
- Business services: While high street banks primarily focus on retail banking, they may also offer business services such as business accounts, loans, and merchant services to local businesses.
ABC Bank, in this example, represents a high street bank that serves the local community by providing accessible and comprehensive financial services through its physical branches.
