MANTL in-branch account opening tops 1 million applications

In-branch account opening has become MANTL's highest-volume growth channel in 2026, according to Alkami. More than 1 million applications have been booked through the in-branch platform to date.

The milestone points to a shift among US banks and credit unions as they add digital account-opening tools to physical branches instead of treating online and branch channels separately.

MANTL recorded nearly 90,000 in-branch applications in a single month this year, and the service is now used for in-branch account opening in all 50 states, including at institutions with branch networks of more than 200 locations.

The figures come as lenders continue to invest in branch networks. US banks have opened more branches than they have closed for three consecutive quarters, increasing the importance of software used by front-line staff in physical locations.

Branch shift

MANTL is designed to connect account opening across online, branch and assisted channels for both retail and business accounts. Institutions using the system across both online and in-branch channels reach twice as many unique ZIP codes as those relying on a single-channel approach, Alkami said.

That suggests branch activity can extend beyond local catchment areas when linked to digital acquisition tools. Alkami argued that a connected model lets applicants start, pause and complete an application across different channels without re-entering information.

Executives said banks and credit unions are rethinking the role of the branch as they modernise customer acquisition and internal processes. The focus is on reducing paperwork and duplicate records while giving branch employees a clearer path through account-opening tasks.

"Branch modernization has become an immediate growth priority. Financial institutions have a significant opportunity to bring seamless digital account opening into the branch, make better use of their existing branch presence, and create a more connected growth channel," said Benjamin Conant, Chief Product Officer, Alkami.

Conant said banks and credit unions are extending tools first used for online growth into their branch networks.

"MANTL has a proven track record of helping financial institutions drive online growth, and we're seeing branch modernization accelerate as banks and credit unions apply the same technology to their branch network. By removing friction from the in-branch account opening process, technology empowers employees to focus on customer and member needs while creating more capacity for the human interactions that define community financial institutions," he said.

Omnichannel use

One customer said the approach supports broader expansion plans. ConnectOne Bank, which operates more than 50 branches, said the platform links digital and physical channels as it integrates acquisitions and enters new markets.

"At ConnectOne Bank, our growth relies on meeting clients wherever they choose to engage. MANTL serves as a scalable engine for our omnichannel strategy, bridging our digital presence with our physical footprint across our 50+ branch network," said Ali Mattera, Chief Digital Officer, ConnectOne Bank.

Mattera said the system also changes work inside branches.

"Beyond accelerating M&A integrations and market expansion, MANTL streamlines our internal workflows, empowering our branch teams to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time building relationships," she said.

Alkami said the software gives branch staff a guided process while allowing conversations with customers to unfold naturally. The system can identify existing account holders in a bank's core system, including some without tax IDs, reduce duplicate records and help staff open the right account for each applicant.

The update underlines a broader trend in US retail banking, where branches remain relevant but are being reshaped around digital processes. Rather than replacing physical locations, lenders appear to be using software to connect branch staff, online applications and assisted service in a single account-opening flow.