New Account Application

In the last issue of BANKERS' HOTLINE we talked about using more than just a signature card to open a new account.

In order for you to get to KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER (a requirement we keep hearing about) it becomes necessary for us to ask questions.

And asking questions of a total stranger makes some new accounts people uncomfortable.

If you have a form in front of you to fill out, and a guideline for the questions, it makes your job not only more comfortable, but also more uniform, non-discriminatory, and more efficient.

As you get used to using a new accounts questionnaire, you will become more skilled at evaluating the responses.

You will then be able to use fully your "banker's sixth sense"-that ability to tell whether a person is lying when they are answering your questions-that "feeling" you get when you just KNOW there is something wrong, but can't put your finger on it.

Pay attention to your "sixth sense"! It makes great bankers out of good ones.

A new accounts application should enable you to obtain all necessary information in your initial interview. It may be the only chance you have for face-to-face questions.

We like the Account Application pictured on this page because it has on it not only all the information you need for your account opening, but also all details needed to fill out a form 4789 (Currency Transaction Report).

You will want to maintain a copy of this form in your file at the branch for this purpose.

This is a sample of what a new accounts form might look like.

Subscribers will find a full-sized Account Application Form enclosed with this issue, suitable for photocopying.

Copyright © 1990 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2/90