Lenders are increasingly finding out ways to increase their presence in customer segments at affordable costs. One such method being readily applied by banks today are roadside kiosks which are set up to open bank accounts for customers.

The idea behind setting up these kiosks is to give a rapid mobilization to the current and savings account (CASA) ratios of these lenders.

These kiosks are located at busy places especially near office complexes wherein customers can be attracted.

"Each of us has been asked to bring in some ‘dependable' accounts where a minimum balance of Rs 5,000 is ensured," said an employee of Punjab National Bank on conditions of anonymity.

"This is an on-going effort for us and CASA is very important to drive down cost of funds," Mr Nagesh Pydah, Chairman and Managing Director, Oriental Bank of Commerce, said.