UnionBank’s The Ark geekifies your banking and car-buying experience

Banking is an essential part of our adult life, but as we all know, it isn’t the best part of the day (hello, long standing lines). Sure, there are banking apps and other online services available out there but at the end of the day, you still need to physically go to a bank for several transactions such as depositing cash (and check), payments, over-the-counter withdrawals, and auto loan applications.

Well, we’re in luck as UnionBank—the geekiest banking company in the Philippines (as they claim)—has just found the solution to our banking woes with The Ark. This is the company’s newest concept branch along Ayala Avenue in Makati City. It’s a one-step ahead in the world of banking, as they pioneered the best thing we’ve ever heard when going to the bank: no more lines and tedious waiting times.

With The Ark, instead of standing in line or getting a number, you’ll be given an iPad then you can freely choose where to sit and do your transactions within the tablet. You’ll also be offered coffee, tea, or any other refreshment from their pretty commissary. Sounds great, right?

After you’ve submitted your request, a highly-trained bank ambassador will approach you to complete the transaction. It’s like having your own personal banker, only digital and for everyone no matter what your banking need is.

To kick off the concept branch, The Ark launches Auto Loans Week in which, as the name suggests, focuses on car loan packages that UnionBank can offer. Again, no more lines and seamless transactions are offered to those who’ll avail.

Aside from that, those who will avail UnionBank’s car loan through The Ark will also get to choose from P10,000 worth of fuel or earn GetGo points to fly via Cebu Pacific. Your move, other banks.

The Ark also showcases the branch-exclusive Virtual Reality Showroom — an app-based software wherein customers can browse through a showroom. You can check the car’s front, back, interior, engine, and wheels in the said app, as well as see the facilities that the dealership can offer.

They also incorporated VR technology (the one using the goggles) into this; you may find yourself standing inside the car’s engine while using the VR. Basically, it’s like “experiencing” the car and the services that the car brand can offer before you even start your auto loan application.

The Ark is located at the Insular Life Building, Ayala Avenue corner Paseo De Roxas in Makati City. There will be 2 regional branches to be put up soon, one in Cebu and the other in Davao. Aside from the Auto Loans Week, The Ark will also have a Home Loans Week, Travel Week, and Gadgets and Technology Week this November.