Ours is a meta-symbolic system. We have taken to consuming and using more and more concentrated forms of symbolism. Land and Cows were replaced by metal, which was replaced by paper, which was replaced by electronic digits, which is partially represented by plastic cards. The bank follows the client. Transactions are concluded outside the premises.
Money changes hands in totally automated transactions.
The culmination of all this is the smart card. Subject to more clever marketing, home banking will develop to overtake regular banking. The borders between social institutions will blur. Home and office will merge. So will the office, the car, the aeroplane and the hotel.