Most people treat banks like ATMs. Deposit, withdraw, repeat. Then they apply for $50K in funding and wonder why they get denied. Here's what funded entrepreneurs do differently 👇 ✅ Open a checking AND savings at the same institution — show commitment ✅ Set up direct deposits or consistent monthly inflows — banks track this ✅ Keep a healthy average balance — low balances signal risk ✅ Actually USE their products (debit card, bill pay, transfers) — activity builds trust 🔑 When a bank sees 6-12 months of real relationship history, you stop being a stranger asking for money. You become a customer they want to keep. Funding starts with trust. Trust starts with presence. Build the relationship BEFORE you need it.