What is one service that banks do not provide?

M: Hello, Susan. What are you reading?
W: An article on banks and banking.
M: Goodness! How boring!
W: I find it interesting. Do you know what a bank’s functions are?
M: Of course. It cashes my checks when I have any, and it keeps my money when I have any.
W: Stop joking. They also transfer funds to other banks within the same country or to banks in foreign coun tries.
M: That’s true. I remember I once had to send some money to my sister in Cairo and father sent me to our bank, and it was all very simple.
W: And remember that in a bank you can buy travelers’ checks, foreign currency and letters of credit.
M: Quite right.
W: And banks do much more than that. They grant loans to consumers, business firms, and even governments.
M: Do you think I could get a loan? I’d like to start my own fashion store in London. You know, I am always keen on fashion.
W: Yes. You can mortgage your house to get up to $ 450,000 from the bank.
M: The question of banks is an interesting one.
W: Sure it is.
M: I’d like to read that article once you’ve finished with it, if you don’t mind.