How Better Lobby Makes Member Check-In Easy with Kiosks

At Better Lobby, we believe that every credit union visit should start off on the right foot. One of the easiest ways to improve the member experience? A better check-in process.

Let’s face it—no one likes standing in line or not knowing when they’ll be helped. That’s where Better Lobby’s kiosk check-in system comes in. It’s simple, fast, and helps both members and staff feel more in control.

Why the Check-In Process Matters

The moment a member walks through the door, they start forming an opinion about your service. If they’re greeted by a long line or confusion at the front desk, their experience suffers before it even begins. A smooth check-in sets the tone for everything that follows.

How Better Lobby’s Kiosk Works

Better Lobby’s kiosk system offers two easy options for member check-in:

  • In-Branch Kiosk
    A touchscreen kiosk placed right in your lobby allows members to select their reason for visiting and check in on the spot. It’s intuitive, quick, and doesn’t require help from staff.
  • QR Code Kiosk
    For members who prefer using their own phone, we offer a contactless check-in experience. Just scan the QR code with a smartphone, fill out the check-in form, and you’re in the queue—no shared surfaces, no waiting in line.

Benefits for Credit Unions and Members

✅ Faster Service
Members can check in instantly, which keeps the line moving and the lobby flowing.

✅ Less Stress
Members know their place in the queue and can relax while they wait.

✅ More Time for Staff
Instead of spending time on manual sign-ins, staff can focus on answering questions, opening accounts, and giving personal service.

✅ Clear Queue Management
Better Lobby organizes all check-ins, whether they happen at the kiosk or through an appointment, so everyone knows who’s next.

✅ Safer Environment
Contactless options like the QR Code Kiosk make it easy to maintain health and hygiene in your branch.

Make the First Step a Better One

Every great member experience starts with a smart, friendly welcome. With Better Lobby’s kiosk check-in solutions, your credit union can make sure every visit begins with ease, efficiency, and a personal touch. The decision for Self-Service Kiosks vs. Traditional Check-Ins is up to you and your credit union.

Want to learn more or see a demo? Get in touch with our team. Let’s make every member visit better—from the very first step.

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Self-Service Kiosks vs. Traditional Check-Ins: What’s Best for Your Credit Union?

Checking in at a credit union branch might seem simple—but how members check in can greatly affect their experience and your staff’s efficiency. In today’s world, many credit unions still use traditional methods like paper sign-in sheets or staff-managed check-ins. Others have adopted self-service kiosks, including QR code kiosks, that let members check in quickly on their own devices. So, which method is best for your credit union? In this blog post, we’ll compare self-service kiosks and traditional check-ins side-by-side to help you decide what’s right for your members and your team.

Speed and Convenience

Self-service kiosks, especially those with QR code capabilities, offer members a fast and easy way to check in. Members can walk into the branch, scan a QR code, and enter the queue using their own device—no need to touch shared equipment. Traditional check-ins, such as speaking with a greeter or using a paper sign-in sheet, take more time and require staff assistance, which can create longer lines during busy times.

Member Satisfaction

Credit unions that offer self-service kiosks often see higher member satisfaction. Members appreciate the ability to check in quickly and manage their time efficiently. With traditional check-ins, members may wait longer and feel uncertain about their place in line. Kiosks also allow members to feel more in control of their experience, leading to a better overall impression of the credit union.

Staff Efficiency

Using self-service kiosks frees up staff to focus on serving members rather than managing the check-in process. This can help reduce staff workload and improve service delivery. Traditional check-ins require staff to spend time logging information and managing queues manually, which can take away from higher-value tasks like member consultations and problem-solving.

Hygiene and Safety

QR code kiosks provide a contact-free experience, which is especially valuable for health-conscious members. Members can use their own devices to check in, reducing the risk of spreading germs. Traditional check-ins, especially paper-based methods or shared touch-screen devices, may raise hygiene concerns for some members.

Customization and Flexibility

Self-service kiosks, like those offered by Better Lobby, can be customized to fit the needs of each credit union. Whether it’s adjusting services displayed, setting up multi-language support, or printing QR codes in different formats (full-page, brochure, or business card size), kiosks offer flexibility. Traditional check-ins have limited customization and can’t easily adapt to member preferences or branding needs.

Real-Time Data and Reporting

Self-service kiosks automatically collect data on member visits, wait times, and service types. This information can be used to improve operations, staffing, and member service strategies. Traditional check-ins often rely on manual tracking, which is prone to errors and lacks real-time insights.

Easy, Contactless Check-Ins with Better Lobby’s New QR Code Kiosk

Credit union members want convenience, speed, and a safe experience when they visit a branch. That’s why Better Lobby created a new way to check in that’s simple, modern, and completely touch-free: the QR Code Kiosk – User Device Mode.

This new feature is designed to make branch visits smoother while helping staff stay focused on what matters most—personal service.

What Is the QR Code Kiosk?

The QR Code Kiosk lets members check in using their own smartphones. All they need to do is scan a custom QR code displayed in your branch. After scanning, they fill out a secure form to check in. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any contact with shared devices.

Why Credit Unions (and Members) Will Love It

Faster Check-Ins
Members check in right from their phones—no waiting for a staff member or kiosk to become available.

Improved Member Experience
A fast, smooth check-in makes a great first impression and keeps your lobby flowing efficiently.

Health & Safety
Since members use their own phones, there’s no need to touch a public screen. It’s a hygienic option that’s perfect for today’s health-conscious world.

More Time for Staff
Because members check in on their own, your team can focus on helping members with complex questions or tasks instead of managing a check-in line.

Cost Savings
Fewer people using your physical kiosks means lower wear and tear—and fewer devices to maintain over time.

How It Works

  1. Display the QR Code
    Place a branded QR code in your lobby. You can customize it with your credit union’s logo, name, and helpful information like directions or social media links.

  2. Member Scans the Code
    Using their smartphone camera, members scan the QR code and are sent to a secure web-based check-in form.

  3. Member Checks In
    Once they submit the form, their visit is added to your Better Lobby service queue instantly.

  4. Optional: Set Distance Limits
    You can control how close someone must be to check in. This prevents people from using the QR code when they’re not at the branch—helping you maintain accurate waitlists.

Easy to Set Up and Customize

In just a few simple steps, your admin team can enable the QR Code Kiosk:

  • Turn on the feature in the Admin settings

  • Add security (reCAPTCHA) to prevent bots

  • Customize your QR code branding, welcome messages, and proximity settings

  • Download and print your QR code sign for display in the branch

Want members to see your Instagram or know what to do next after checking in? You can add that too!

Final Thoughts about Self-Service Kiosks vs. Traditional Check-Ins

When comparing self-service kiosks to traditional check-ins, the advantages are clear. Self-service options enhance member satisfaction, improve staff efficiency, and provide valuable data for decision-making. For credit unions looking to modernize their branches, self-service kiosks—especially those with QR code functionality—offer a smart and effective solution.

Key Takeaways for Self-Service Kiosks vs. Traditional Check-Ins

  • Self-service kiosks save time for both members and staff, offering faster check-ins and reducing lines.

  • QR code kiosks let members use their own devices for a touch-free, hygienic experience.

  • Traditional check-ins require more staff time and can lead to longer wait times for members.

  • Kiosks collect real-time data to help credit unions improve service, staffing, and member satisfaction.

  • Self-service options improve flexibility with customizable designs and multiple formats for QR codes.