A global survey for Collinson Group polled 4,437 consumers in the top 10-15% income group across Brazil, China, India, Italy, Singapore, the UAE, US and UK and found that some two thirds (64%) expected greater recognition and reward for their loyalty.
And this lack of appreciation was even more annoying than other bank actions such as offering poor interest rates or charging unnecessary fees.
In the UK fully 83% of these affluent consumers felt their bank did not know or understand them and less than a third (27%) felt they received a high level of personal service.
Less than one third were members of a bank loyalty program, but that was not because of any objection to the concept – this group was more likely to be part of a scheme operated by a supermarket, airline, credit card or retailer than that run by a bank.
Banks are missing out on business as a result. The report said that affluent middle class consumers in the UK who feel loyal to a brand were 73% more likely to purchase a product from them in the future and six in ten would be prepared to recommend a banking brand to their friends and family.
Christopher Evans, a Collinson Group director, noted that the findings had more relevance than ever as people become more active in managing their bank accounts.
"Personalised, aspirational and more lifestyle-orientated benefits and rewards, which are more accessible to earn and redeem will enable banking brands to differentiate themselves and attract and retain the most affluent consumers," he added.
Data sourced from Collinson Group, Forbes, Telegraph; additional content by Warc staff