Sign of the times

Friday, 5:17 pm

By Kate

Mar

20

2009

This afternoon, I stopped by my bank to do some business. While the teller did my transaction, she asked if I’d be interested in opening a Christmas Club account. I was surprised—Christmas Club accounts seem to have gone the way of dinosaurs in the past several years. I mentioned that and she said, “Well, times have changed.”

I guess they have. In the past few years, the bank lobby and teller area have been plastered with posters concerning various mortgage, loan, and credit card accounts, along with the very competitive interest rates. I’ve noticed, recently, that all those posters are gone. You’d almost think that the bank doesn’t offer loans anymore. Instead, now there are a number of posters promoting savings accounts of differing rates and terms. There has definitely been a change in attitude and business model.

So. Would I like a Christmas Club account? It could be tied to my checking account and I could transact my business online. If I wanted. If I decided to take the funds out of my Christmas Club account at any time, I could, but the account would then close. No penalties, though. Would I like one? Would I?

I’m now the owner of a shiny new Christmas Club account. I’ve always liked them. I’m glad to see them making a come-back.