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What is Group Banking?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,707
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In finance, “group banking” can refer either to banking provided to a specific group of people with customized services for their needs or to the formation of a holding company in control of several banks. The type of banking is usually evident from the context, as the two concepts are very different.

In the first sense, group banking often comes up in the context of employees who join a bank or credit union together. The employer works with the bank to create an incentive program encouraging people to sign up. Members of the group may get discounts on fees, access to special services, and greater control over retirement accounts along with offers for insurance and other products. While people are not required to participate in group banking, the benefits of the program are often a compelling argument to join.

For banks, group banking provides a ready-made group of customers, a distinct benefit. The bank does not have to recruit customers, because they sign up on their own. In addition, bureaucratic costs associated with things like direct deposit of paychecks are greatly reduced when employers and employees bank in the same location. Banks get access to capital through the deposits of group banking participants and the participants get benefits like special interest rates, account features like free traveler's checks, and so forth.

Cooperatives involved in group banking do not have to be employees of the same company. Housing cooperatives may use similar systems and people can also bank as a group affiliated with a church or another organization. Bank policies vary, and people interested in the possibility of setting up a group banking program should make arrangements to meet with a bank representative to find out about available options and requirements, such as a minimum number of members.

Group banking in the sense of holding companies in control of banks consists of a holding company with a majority share in two or more banks. The banks have their own boards and are run as independent entities, but the holding company controls their activities and has the power to outvote other shareholders. Depending on regional laws and the percentage of shares owned, the holding company's ownership may need to be approved by government regulators to address concerns about the potential for creating a banking monopoly, where free market competition is limited by having a single company control the bulk of the companies offering banking services.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments
By drhs07 — On Jul 02, 2011

Group banking has its advantages. I used to manage the relationship between my company and the bank that we used to set up a group banking system for our employees. I was able to set up a good amount of incentives from the bank to encourage employees to join the group, and the bank liked the increase in customers that my company provided. For a while, we had a good thing going.

But, the bank started making changes to their services, and their fees increased. My company was going through some rough financial times, so we could not afford to pay these increases. I tried to negotiate with the bank and asked them not to increase the fees for our employees, since we had a long history of a good relationship. We could not reach an agreement, so my company left that bank.

At the end of the day, group banking should be for the benefit of the employees and companies involved. If your bank is not providing the best service it possibly can for your company employees, then it is best that you find another bank or credit union.

By Testy — On Jul 01, 2011

The company I work for encourages all employees to join a certain credit union. As a big incentive for joining, we get an extra day of paid time off for every year we are a member of the credit union. I am not sure if this is legal, though.

Anyway, I had a really hard time deciding whether or not I wanted to join the company's credit union. I was happy with the bank I was with, and I don't like having my money or information spread out in too many places. So, for the first five years I worked at the company, I used my own bank.

About a year ago, I decided that I wanted to buy a brand new car. The interest rates for car loans for my bank were really high at the time. So, I decided to finally open an account at the company's credit union so I could take advantage of their loan interest rates. I must say, that I am glad I finally bank with them, and I should have been doing it a long time ago.

Group banking is a great way for people to get pretty good perks that they would not get if they banked separately. If your company participates in group banking, then you should too.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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