Modernizing Bank Signage: How to Stay Compliant and Competitive in 2025 and Beyond

Did you know that your bank’s signage does far more than just display your name? A great sign is a 24/7 employee, bringing you brand recognition, accessibility, and attention, which is critical when there’s a competitor on every street corner.

Many financial institutions find themselves caught between competing priorities. There are increasingly strict ADA compliance requirements that can’t be ignored. Customer expectations for modern, tech-enabled experiences are always growing, and many want to support brands and businesses they know and trust.

But far too many banks are working with outdated signage that checks the compliance boxes but fails to connect with today’s customers. Or worse – signage that neither meets current standards nor projects the innovation customers expect.

After 30 years working with financial institutions nationwide, we know this: modernizing your signage isn’t about choosing between compliance and competitiveness.

It’s about making them work together to strengthen your brand and serve every customer better.

Banks Need ADA Compliance That Doesn’t Look Institutional

Financial institutions are built on trust. That trust starts with making everyone feel welcome, regardless of ability.

ADA compliance for bank signage isn’t optional. It’s federal law. But somewhere along the way, “compliant” became synonymous with “institutional” in design.

Here’s what’s actually required:

• Braille and raised characters for permanent spaces, mounted between 48 and 60 inches for wheelchair accessibility.
• Minimum 70% contrast between text and background.
• ATMs with audio jacks, Braille instructions, and proper height placement.
• Clear marking of accessible entrances and parking.

But compliance extends beyond physical signage. Your digital presence needs the same attention. Online banking platforms, mobile apps, and digital displays must meet WCAG standards. That means keyboard navigation, proper color contrast, alt text for images, and logical content organization. For many banks, digital accessibility is where compliance gaps hide.

What surprises many bank executives is how beautiful compliant signage can be. When you stop seeing compliance as a limitation and start seeing it as your foundation, you create environments that work better for everyone.

Your Bank Signage Can Be Your Nighttime Brand Advocate

Your signage doesn’t clock out at 5 PM. For many customers, ATMs and drive-thrus are their primary – sometimes only – physical interaction with your brand.

Yet drive past most banks after dark, and you’ll see the problem. Poorly lit ATM areas that feel unsafe. Drive-thru lanes where customers struggle to find the right path. That doesn’t scream trust, does it?

So, what can you do to make sure your bank signage is meeting the needs (and expectations) of your customers?

Invest in LED Signage

The solution starts with LED technology. While LEDs may cost more upfront than traditional lighting, these signs are 80% more energy-efficient, last up to 10 times longer, and maintain consistent brightness throughout their lifespan.

Get Strategic With Your Illumination

Strategic illumination means thoughtful design. High-contrast color combinations – white on dark blue, yellow on black – help boost readability even in poor conditions. Proper placement eliminates shadows and glare.

But it’s not just the initial placement or style that matters. Regular maintenance can help your signs perform at their best.

Your drive-thru deserves special attention. Clear, illuminated directional signage reduces confusion and wait times. Well-lit menu boards and transaction areas improve both efficiency and security. Customers should never have to guess where to go or struggle to complete their banking.

The same principles apply to your ATM locations. Bright, welcoming illumination doesn’t just aid transactions – it enhances safety and builds confidence. When customers feel secure using your services after hours, they’re more likely to remain loyal.

Meeting Customers Where They Are with Digital Signage

Customers expect their banks and financial institutions to offer digital signage that goes beyond just wayfinding.

They want signage to keep them updated on the latest financial numbers that matter to them or real-time queue management information.

Implementation doesn’t require disrupting your entire operation. Start with high-impact areas like lobbies and drive-thrus. Use content management systems that allow real-time updates across all locations.

As you go, build on existing infrastructure where possible. When in doubt, bring in a partner who can help develop a digital signage strategy that works for all of your locations.

When Rebranding May Be In Order

Whether it’s a merger, acquisition, or strategic refresh, rebranding is inevitable in banking. The question is: will it strengthen or strain your customer relationships?

Successful rebranding starts with strategy, not aesthetics. Phase your rollout beginning with flagship branches, which allows you to test reception and refine execution. Coordinate physical changes with digital updates – launching a refreshed website alongside new signage maximizes impact and minimizes confusion.

This is also your opportunity to modernize comprehensively. Upgrade to LED while updating logos. Improve ADA compliance while refreshing aesthetics. Add digital capabilities while maintaining traditional elements that customers trust.

Stay Compliant with Signage Solutions for Banks with Atlas

Modernizing bank signage doesn’t happen overnight. But it doesn’t have to overwhelm your operations either.

Start with an accessibility audit – know where you stand with ADA compliance. Then, once you know what your bank may need, partner with Atlas Sign Solutions to create a comprehensive plan for updating your signage.

Banks and financial institutions have trusted Atlas with their signage needs for decades. We understand the unique balance you must strike between regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and customer experience. Our single-source approach means you’re not managing multiple vendors or hoping different pieces work together.

Ready to modernize your bank’s signage without the headaches? Let’s create a plan that keeps you compliant, competitive, and connected to your community.

Contact Atlas today to discuss your bank’s signage strategy.