When I opened my first bank account in the year 2000, I would travel from the city where I lived to another city in the same state that was two hours away in order to withdraw money. Reason was because there were very few banks in the country. None was in my location.
Each time I embarked on such a journey, my heart would be in my mouth till I got home. I had heard stories of people being robbed of their money on their way back from withdrawing it, sometimes losing their lives in the process.
I remember there was a time that I was in another state to process my brother's university admission and I needed some money. I had to travel down to the state where I opened my account before I could withdraw money despite the fact that the same bank was right beside the university.
There was no POS, ATM card/machine, internet banking, etc.
Back then, you didn't need any means of identification or phone number to open a bank account. Just fill in your personal details and bring two passport photos, your account is ready in two weeks time. Then they will give you a withdrawal booklet and a bank ID card to use for withdrawals.
Back then, there were no rude bank staff, they treated their customers like Kings. Why won't they? how many people even owned bank accounts?
There was no stealing from your account, there were no bank charges, instead banks would give you interests for saving with them.
Good old days. Lol.
Fun memories. You got me laughing @ ready in 2 weeks time. I remember the withdrawal booklet and Bank ID. My mom even told me about collecting tally number then 😂😂😂😂
ReplyDeleteGood Ole Memories and thank God for technology
thing are changing day by day.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about your money being safe and also increasing. They will be giving you interest every month
ReplyDeleteYou'll be enjoying big interests on your account, but then you'll go one day to withdraw your money only to find out that your Bank no longer exists.
ReplyDeleteThey've packed up in the middle of the night and flown away with all their customers cash.
Banks operated like a Ponzi scheme back then.
Thank God for technology abeg
It has its advantages and disadvantages
DeleteChai 😆 🤣 😂 see hard life.
ReplyDeleteEverything wey get advantage get disadvantage.
Now wey dem don grow dem dey still money in form of bank charges, yahoo yahoo, orishirishi scam
I still have my Ecobank booklet and ID-card from way back 1996.. lol… now they don’t need it anymore, they don’t even want you to cue again, I miss those days when they’ll treat you like royals for banking with them, they will smile at you, offer free cold water and sometimes snacks whilst working on their system if there is a failure, they appreciate your time, money and trust.. no rude staffs indeed, very patient, smiling and willing to help even for us then who didn’t know how to fill the booklet because of English!! How time flies indeed!!
ReplyDeleteMs K.
For all the nostalgia, this actually was sad to read. Travelling two hours simply to withdraw money, account ready in two weeks time. This read like some 19th century banking experience. Development and comfort is really not valued in some places. Ordinary citizens don suffer for some countries.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the updated features in the banking industry. The only thing I don't like is the rude staff you mentioned and that is because of cutthroat competitiveness, unrealistic targets, overworked and underpaid staff. I really hope this gets better.
ReplyDelete😂 😂 😂 😂
ReplyDeleteI still have my Intercontinental bank withdrawal booklet. Access bank Cheque booklet.
Union bank too.
When I wanted to switch from union to Diamond bank, they begged me to reconsider but because of distance, I declined.
I wrote letter for notification to close my account. They took closing charge and gave me my money.
Eko bank has been inactive for years. But they keep sending me information on promos.
I have account with one bank that I never operated. They send birthday wishes to me. Lol.
Memories
ReplyDeleteHow I suffered back then in school. Wi travel there hours to withdraw pocket money, risk accident and robbery on the road.
Hmmm, I still have my UBA id card and booklet. I still operate the bank but instead of my money in the savings account to increase like before, it will be reducing. Sad!
Hahaha, funny memories, I recently threw away my first bank withdrawal booklet abi passbook.
ReplyDelete