ABSTRACT
Drive-in banking began inauspiciously in 1936 with the City National Bank of South Bend, Indiana announcing its intention to provide "bank curb service" in order to better utilize its useless alleyway. By mid-1948-and the complete resumption of normal business activities in the wake of World War II-the phenomenon had spread to 250-odd banks in 18 states. Opening in late 1946, the Autobank made money at a growing clip, almost doubling its deposits during its first two years of operation despite a nationwide decline in bank receipts. From 50 cars daily at the onset, car-borne customers rose to more than 600 by late 1948, accounting for close to half of the bank's deposit business. However, the refinement of one of the by-products of drive-in service, electronic banking, may contain the seeds of its ultimate demise. But, for now, drive-ins remain a potent force within the industry, particularly in small-town America.
