By this summer, Bank of America will no longer have a presence for walk-in customers throughout the Verde Valley.

In a letter received by many Sedona-area Bank of America customers this week, the company states, “We’ve made the decision to permanently close the financial center at 1771 W. SR 89A, Sedona, Arizona on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. We’re sorry for the inconvenience this closing causes. Keep in mind, your account remains the same and there are other ways to keep banking with us.”

It then goes on to state that customers can use mobile and online banking, direct deposit, bank by phone or bank at other loca­tions — the closest being Flagstaff. The Cottonwood branch closed more than two years ago and remains open for ATM use only.

The letter does not state why the bank is closing.

However, Bank of America corporate spokes­woman Britney Sheehan told the Sedona Red Rock News the way customers in Sedona and across the country manage their finan­cial lives, and do business with the company, has been evolving for several years, with these behavioral changes accelerating during the pandemic.

“Client behaviors and expectations shifted dramatically in 2020, accelerating trends that were already in motion,” she said. “More people are moving to digital channels for their day-to-day finan­cial needs, while preferring to visit bank branches only for more significant finan­cial needs — and less for common transactions. So, as we continue to adjust our financial center network we are consolidating some centers, including West Sedona.”

She went on to say that Bank of America has seen its customers increasingly asking for personalized advice and guidance in person but not coming in for transactions and basic account servicing, because most of that can be done via digital channels.

“Clients who need in-person conversations about their financial needs can speak with specialists about their banking, lending and investing priorities through phone, chat, video confer­ence or in person at a finan­cial center, like our location in Flagstaff,” Sheehan said.

As for their employees, she added, “Whenever we close a center, our goal is to ensure the best transition for our associates at that loca­tion. Based on the market and business needs, we offer options to all associ­ates at consolidating loca­tions, including placement at a neighboring center and positions in other business units.”

In January, the local branch closed for nearly two weeks, reopening in Jan. 19.

At that time, Sheehan said, “We continue to take several steps to support our clients and employees during the health crisis, including some temporary financial center closures.”

Bank of America has approximately 125 banks branches in Arizona and temporary financial center closures have occurred for three specific reasons. They include:

■ Areas where banks see fewer visits.

■ Where a smaller loca­tion may be close to a larger location that is better able to accommodate physical distancing.

■ When bank staffing is not sufficient to remain open.

“When a center closes we work to reopen it as soon as possible,” Sheehan said in January. “We appreciate our clients’ understanding and flexibility during these unprecedented times. There may be multiple reasons why a center closes and we would not disclose the specifics. As far as future closures, the situation remains fluid. With all the variables previously mentioned, it is reasonable to expect that centers may close from time to time so we can keep our clients and employees safe.”