Branches still matter, but in today’s day and age. they’re no longer where the majority of your consumers are engaging with your financial institution (FI). As of 2024, 77% of U.S. adults were managing their accounts online or through a mobile app (Coinlaw, 2025). And here’s the kicker: a Chase study found that 86% of consumers prefer to manage all their banking in one app, not across multiple platforms (Chase, 2024).

If your institution isn’t showing up in the digital moments that matter, there’s a real risk of losing visibility, trust, and opportunity.

From Data to Real-World Impact

Community financial institutions (CFIs) are sitting on an untapped goldmine: data. Account holder behavior, transaction trends, product history – there’s a rich layer of insight waiting to be activated.

The challenge? That data is often siloed, static, or underused. It’s one thing to know someone logged in three times this week. It’s another to act on it. Institutions that learn to identify key intent signals – such as a user browsing loan options or skipping payments – can deliver far more relevant and timely communication.

Engagement That Goes Beyond the Basics

Let’s be honest: a lot of digital banking apps still focus on function over experience. Checking balances and transferring funds is no longer impressive – it’s expected.

Today’s account holders want more: proactive guidance, personalized offers, and relevant nudges that help them take the next step toward financial wellness. The key is creating engagement that feels intuitive and helpful, not disruptive or salesy.

Content That Builds Credibility

Financial trust is earned through education, not just promotion. Providing timely, easy-to-understand content within the digital experience shows account holders that you’re here to help, not just sell.

Whether it’s how to improve a credit score, plan for a big purchase, or understand a CD rollover – smart content creates connection. Done well, it turns your app or online banking environment into a daily financial ally.

Right Message. Right Person. Right Time.

Mass messaging may be easy, but it’s not effective. Personalized communication based on account holder behavior is what drives results.

Think: messaging someone who browsed auto loans last week but didn’t apply. Or reaching out to users who stopped logging in. Precision builds trust. And trust builds growth.

Strategy Only Works If You Track It

Digital engagement doesn’t improve by chance. Institutions that track key metrics – engagement rates, campaign conversion, drop-off points – can adapt and optimize quickly.

Agility is what separates digital leaders from digital placeholders. You’ve got to know what’s working so you can do more of it – and fast.

TL;DR – Digital Engagement Is Your Biggest Opportunity

Account holders want to bank, learn, and grow in one place. That place is your app.

Pulsate was built to help CFIs turn everyday digital behavior into personalized, timely, in-the-moment engagement.
Whether it’s surfacing the right opportunity, sending the right message, or measuring what matters, Pulsate helps you deliver more value with less guesswork.

Your account holders are already digital. We help you meet them there, with impact!