Use these questions to discuss how banking works and what it means for your financial life. Most people use banks every day without understanding them — this is your chance to change that.
Before this course, could you explain in plain English how a bank makes money? Can you explain it now? What was the most surprising thing you learned about how banks operate?
Try to use: net interest margin, deposit, lending rate, spread, intermediary
What is the practical difference between a current account and a savings account? Which do you primarily use — and are you getting the best deal available to you?
Try to use: interest rate, liquidity, access, yield, comparison shopping
What makes one bank safer than another? What specific conditions would make you move your money to a different bank tomorrow?
Try to use: deposit insurance, credit rating, solvency, capital adequacy, counterparty risk
Have you ever sent money internationally? What system was used and what did it cost? Why does international money transfer still take days and cost so much?
Try to use: SWIFT, correspondent banking, wire transfer, foreign exchange fee, fintech
Is banking a public service or a private business? Should governments limit the fees banks charge — or is competition between banks enough to protect consumers?
Try to use: regulation, consumer protection, market competition, public interest, profit motive
Digital banks and fintech companies now offer many traditional banking services without physical branches. What do you gain and what do you lose by banking entirely online?
Try to use: neobank, digital-only, customer service, security, trust, convenience