Miriam Cross

Amplify Credit Union in Austin, Texas, started thinking about removing all banking fees two years ago. First, it had to overhaul its online account-opening process.

The challenger bank for small-business owners is making it easier for its customers to give their accountants access to their transactions and statements.

Totem's digital banking app is the first created by and for Native Americans. The challenger bank will help each of its partner tribes offer uniquely branded apps that provide banking services, distribute government assistance and teach users how to build their credit.

GoHenry, one of many digital banks for kids and teens in the U.S., is based in London but is broadening its European presence with the acquisition of the French fintech Pixpay.

The bank has set up an online “education center” for consumers, dealers and more that walks people through the charging process and helps buyers estimate ongoing costs.

The digital bank and credit card company is hoping to drive more people to its mobile app with the addition of Online Privacy Protection, a service that removes personal data from people-search sites.

Consumers welcome more generous forgiveness policies and the chance to have past defaults erased from their record, but they need assistance connecting the dots, financial services executives say.

Workers Credit Union installed a life-size hologram of “Olivia” in specialized locations to offload some mundane customer service tasks. It’s also catching the attention of passersby.

The bank is providing dedicated space within its headquarters for clients to collaborate with product designers to develop new ideas.

Instead of a hard sell, Chime, Simmons First and others are trying to convey the benefits of their products in simple terms and in a conversational tone.