ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Between understanding credit scores and interest rates, there’s a lot of financial information for people to sort through.
For some, going to a bank for the first time can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what it all means.
KeyBank launched its KeyBus campaign. It’s a bank on wheels.
Chiwuike Owunanne works inside the bus. He helps community members build their financial education by setting up checking accounts, teaching them about loans and showing them all their banking options.
“It’s a fun festive atmosphere that allows people who might be hesitant to walk into a branch to come meet us out here and have one-on-one face time,” said Owunanne.
Owunanne and the team use educational computer games to break down all the information for people.
“People may not utilize all a bank has to offer,” explained Owunanne. “Often times we find people in low-to-moderate-income communities. So having the capability to bring information to them is crucial.”
The KeyBus started in Buffalo at the beginning of June and traveled around New York since. Banking and financial information can be overwhelming, Owunanne says. But he hopes the KeyBus shows them that it doesn’t always have to be that way.
“By cultivating these relationships in this fun, judgment-free zone, next time they walk into a branch they might see a familiar face they saw at KeyBus and that conversation becomes easier,” said Owunanne.
The KeyBus will make stops in Syracuse and Albany next month.
