Ideas that work.

• Position: Bank marketing examples

In the Quest for New Customers, You Can't Start Too Early. When there's a new baby in the market of First National Bank of Slippery Rock, Pa., the bank sends out a gift package to the proud parents. The package includes a congratulatory letter and a $10 gift certificate good toward the opening of a savings account for the newborn. Also included is a bib inscribed with the words, "Future Banker" and a brochure describing the bank's online banking program. When the parents follow through and open a savings account for the little one, they receive more gifts, including a "Future Banker" photo album.

Striking Gold with Prepaid Debit Cards. A community bank, Inter National Bank (INB) of McAllen, Texas, has significantly increased its revenue through the use of prepaid debit cards carrying the MasterCard logo. As the result of a joint venture with NetSpend Corp., Austin, Texas., the bank grew in 12 months to one of the top 100 debit card providers in the nation. The card is targeted at the estimated 70 million adults who have no transaction accounts at mainstream depository banking institutions. InterNational Bank and NetSpend used unconventional distribution tactics by aligning with a channel partner that some banks consider directly...