by Dr. Dan Geller

Dr. Geller is EVP of Market Rates Insight, which provides competitive research and analytics to financial institutions. He can be reached at dan.geller@marketratesinsight.com.

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One of the most significant findings from our  latest study on banking fee-revenue optimization (see note 1 below) is that the majority of consumers say they will pay monthly subscription fees for value-added financial services (see chart below and list right).

The average monthly fee that more than half (55%) of consumers are willing to pay ranges from $2.17 to $5.06 per month for each service. Of course, these stated amounts are an indication of relative perceived value rather than a pricing guide.

Furthermore, we found that consumers are willing to pay a higher overall monthly fee for the bundle than they would for each of the services individually. For example, study respondents indicated they are willing to pay $3.07 per month for a credit score report, $2.43 for account alerts and $4.27 for prepaid card for a total of $9.77. However, when the three were offered as a bundle, respondents valued them at $10.51, an 8% premium.

Bottom line: We believe there is a path for financial institutions to move customers "from free to fee" by bundling services in the optimal way.  

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Chart: Consumer Interest in Value-Added Banking Services

 
Source: Market Rates Insight, June 2013

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Note:
1. For more info on these finding, MRI is offering a free webinar on Tuesday June 18 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Click here to reserve your space. The full report will be available for purchase beginning June 21 at <marketratesinsight.com>.