One of the most tangible expressions of a consumer’s relationship with their bank or credit union is their payment card. From everyday spending to big-ticket items, it’s what they reach for to make their purchases a reality.
These physical cards and their digital counterparts represent an opportunity for banks and credit unions to reinforce their brand experience. And it all starts with the ease in which these cards can be made available to their account owners. While credit cards and debit cards are typically expected to arrive in the mail after several days of processing time, banks and credit unions can eliminate that delay by adopting an instant card issuance solution.
With instant issuance, branches can personalize and fulfill cards immediately, with no lag time for consumers. This allows cardholders to leave the branch location with an active card in hand that is ready to use. It is also a critical touchpoint in their experience with the bank or credit union and an opportunity for financial institutions to build brand loyalty.
3 Ways Instant Issuance Builds Brand Loyalty
1. On-demand credit card and debit card personalization and fulfillment eliminates waiting
Payment cards are typically issued when a new account is opened, an expiration date is imminent, or a card has been lost or stolen. In all these scenarios, the cardholder does not want to experience a delay in their ability to spend.
Traditional fulfillment delays can weaken early engagement, and financial institutions can eliminate this waiting period by allowing consumers to leave with their instant issue branded debit card or credit card in hand. Research shows that 47% of instantly issued payments cards are used within 8 hours. The immediacy of the activation experience and subsequent usage builds an emotional connection and reinforces trust by fulfilling the account holder’s needs on the spot (think, “I lost my card and got a new one on the same day”).
2. Payment cards are the physical embodiment of a financial institution’s brand
Interactions with payment cards are daily touchpoints with a bank or credit union’s brand, reinforcing identity and trust every time they’re used. From the visual experience and tactile design to the durability of the manufactured card, it’s how a brand comes to life in a cardholder’s hands.
Every transaction is a unique brand impression, and payments provide the opportunity for multiple impressions per day. Instant issuance allows financial institutions to craft cards that create a brand experience in a variety of environments. A well-designed payment card can convey professionalism and pride, while a lackluster one can unintentionally signal outdated systems or limited attention to cardholder experience.
When branded effectively, debit cards reinforce recognition, trust, and loyalty each time they’re used. Whether dipped in a card reader, tapped at a terminal, or accessed through a mobile wallet, they represent an ongoing opportunity for financial brands to stay top of mind and top of wallet.
3. Instant issuance is critical at branch locations
Branches are the heart of every financial institution. It’s where your community interacts face-to-face with staff members to create memorable and lasting impressions of your brand.
From everyday financial transactions to more advanced services, instant issuance is another opportunity to increase the value of your physical locations. An instant issuance solution integrates seamlessly with existing systems and leverages compact printers to deliver a sophisticated card issuance experience with minimal hassle. Staff can be trained on easy-to-use, intuitive instant issuance software that delivers a quick and convenient experience to account holders. A connected and secure solution ensures quality printing across all branch locations, allowing custom debit card printing and branded debit card design that can be used for credit card products as well.
Combining the power of the in-branch experience with the ease of personalized card production through a trusted staff member create for a unique and powerful brand experience.
Ready to elevate your financial institution’s with instant issuance branded debit cards?
