Digital banking services have been on a rapidly expanding growth curve over the past decade, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated its adoption. In the United States, for example, during the past four years, the number of traditional bank branches has shrunk by 9 percent. Although most traditional banks today provide digital services along with access to a branch, an increasing number of people are choosing digital banks with no physical branches owing to the fact that they provide customers with enticingly high yields and next to zero bank charges.
Although there are many advantages of online banking, simply depending on an Internet-based provider comes with numerous drawbacks. Some of the handicaps include being 100 percent dependent on online connectivity, difficulty in depositing cash, and limited account options, such as only checking and savings. You will find it extremely difficult to speak with a representative as well since online banks keep costs low by hiring fewer people and cutting on real estate.
