Banking Apps See Record In-Branch Usage as Physical Locations Expand

Alkami Technology has announced that its MANTL platform has surpassed one million account opening applications completed in physical bank branches. This milestone marks a turning point for the software, which has now made in-branch interactions its highest-volume growth channel for 2026. The company reported that it recorded nearly 90,000 such applications in a single month, indicating a rapid acceleration in adoption rather than a slow, incremental gain.

This surge in digital activity within physical spaces coincides with a broader industry trend where U.S. banks are opening more branches than they are closing. For the third consecutive quarter, the net number of locations has increased, suggesting that financial institutions are investing in their physical footprints while simultaneously upgrading the technology that powers them.

Physical branches drive new growth

The traditional view that bank branches are becoming obsolete is being challenged by current market data. Instead of retreating from physical presence, many institutions are focusing on making existing locations more productive. MANTL addresses this by streamlining the administrative tasks that typically consume staff time, allowing employees to focus more on customer relationships and less on manual data entry.

The platform is now deployed across all 50 U.S. states, including at large institutions with networks exceeding 200 locations. According to GN technics/software (en-US), this widespread adoption suggests that the model is scalable and not limited to niche use cases. The technology serves as a bridge between digital convenience and the personal service provided by branch staff.

Combined channels expand market reach

A key benefit of using a unified platform for both online and in-branch operations is the expanded geographic reach. Data indicates that institutions utilizing both channels reach twice as many unique ZIP codes as those relying on a single method. This suggests that combining digital and physical touchpoints creates a synergistic effect that broadens the potential customer base.

This expansion aligns with the priorities of enterprise software buyers. A recent survey of 830 decision-makers found that improved integration capabilities and faster time-to-value are the top drivers for investment. By unifying workflows on a single architecture, the platform aims to reduce friction and accelerate the delivery of value to both the bank and its customers.

Trade-offs in unified platform adoption

While the growth in in-branch applications is significant, the shift requires banks to invest in modernizing their internal systems. The trade-off involves the initial complexity of integrating these digital workflows into existing branch operations. However, the long-term benefit is a more efficient process that supports mergers and acquisitions by standardizing workflows across different banking networks.