Digital banking is a cornerstone of financial management for many small businesses. Whether you’re reviewing your account balance before ordering new inventory, categorizing new expenses on-the-fly or checking if client payment has reached your account, the ability to check in on your bank accounts anytime, from anywhere, is invaluable to your operations. 

But that doesn’t mean digital banking apps are ideal for everything. “Digital banking excels at delivering convenience and enabling self-service,” says Michael Mitchell, Executive Vice President, Head of Branch Banking for BankUnited. “But if you’re relying solely on online banking or your mobile banking app, you could be missing out on opportunities to enhance your financial management and move your business forward.”

Here, we’ll discuss key moments when you should consider visiting a branch to make the best financial decisions — and how our branch associates can help you reach your business goals. 

That’s because different lending products, such as loans, credit lines or SBA-backed financing products, each have different benefits and considerations. And a nuanced conversation will help you determine which financing solution is the best fit.

“If you’re looking to fund a one-time investment in equipment, for example, you probably need a different lending solution than if you want a cash buffer to bolster your cash flow,” says Michael. “We can connect you to whatever solution will meet your anticipated needs. Plus, we can help ensure you’re borrowing enough to reach your goals, so you’re much less likely to run out of financing and have to come back to borrow more.”

By getting to know your business, a branch associate can also help you gather the required documentation and put your best financial foot forward, maximizing your chance of a successful application. And, finally, they can walk you through repayment options, helping you create a financial plan to manage your debt and bolster your credit history. 

“For issues like fraud, disputed transactions, or cash flow disruptions, time is of the essence,” says Michael. “You need support as quickly as possible — and you don’t necessarily have time to type out an explanation in a live chat or email to get a response.”

In-branch support can provide faster, more tailored solutions than digital channels alone. Branch associates can hit the ground running, temporarily holding or freezing your accounts if needed, and working closely with you to find a solution. 

Visiting your local branch can also help provide peace of mind in cases of suspected identity theft, especially if you’ve built an existing relationship with your branch associates. “Just being able to talk to someone you know and trust — someone who you know is in your corner — can help you manage situations when tensions are high,” says Michael. 

“Cash withdrawals over a certain limit need to be completed in-branch, so we can verify your identity before releasing the funds,” says Michael. “But there are other times you might choose to come into the branch: many of our retailer clients stop in to pick up extra small bills before long weekends, holidays and events.”

“Our most successful clients stop into the branch regularly, even if they don’t have a specific business problem or a financial solution in mind,” says Michael. “We’re not just banking experts, we’re also tuned into the local business landscape, and we’re continually helping our clients refine their financial plans to address the challenges they’re facing.”

Branch associates can help you review your cash management strategy, for example, and suggest best practices to help strengthen your cash flow, Michael explains. They can also be a sounding board as you map out your path to growth, helping you talk through potential opportunities and identify your next best step. Additionally, branch associates can help you identify potential sources of financial risk within your business, helping you bolster your business’ resilience over time.  

Consider dropping into your branch quarterly as you revisit your business plan, Michael advises, when you’re experiencing a change in your business or you’re just looking for support adapting to whatever happens next. “Our goal is to help you leave our branch feeling confident in your next step, and the tools to manage your money digitally in between visits.”