The bank compartments disappear in Kronoberg - PRO critical

The possibility of being able to store jewelery, documents and photos at the bank is soon a thing of the past.

The reason, according to Swedbank, is that almost half are now used and the rest are empty.

SEB experiences the same thing.

- One of five of our available bank compartments was used, says Frank Hojem, communications manager at SEB.

During the pandemic, banks have also noticed that more people are using their digital services.

- Bank customers' behavior changes very quickly, says Frank Hojem.

But for those who used their safe deposit boxes, the question is what alternatives to a protected and fireproof storage outside the home are offered. 

- It feels safe for many people to have a safe deposit box, in case something should happen.

For many of our members, it is a high value to keep their bank vaults, says Ingemar Almkvist, chairman of PRO Kronoberg.

Do the banks have heeded the needs of the elderly?

- Maybe not really.

You have probably calculated heavily on it and removed what you do not make enough money on.

Digitization is progressing, of course, but this service has nothing to do with it, says Ingemar Almkvist.

Digital alternatives

More than 3,000 customers who have bank vaults at Swedbank in Växjö, Ljungby, Älmhult, Alvesta, Tingsryd and Åseda have until the end of November to pick up their valuables.

Several banks have offered their customers to digitize important documents, such as wills, at other companies.

But for those who wanted to store jewelry, photographs and other things, no alternatives are offered.

- Then you have to find other solutions to it, such as safes or safes at home, says Frank Hojem at SEB.

Nordea is also emptying its bank compartments.

But Handelsbanken still has the service, and does not currently plan to change it.