Student Savings Decisions Based on Sharia Compliance and Banking Factors

General Background: Islamic banking has grown significantly in Indonesia, particularly among students seeking Sharia-compliant financial services. Specific Background: Bank Sumut Syariah, as a regional Islamic bank, serves UINSU students whose preferences are influenced by religious and practical factors. Knowledge Gap: While many studies focus on national Islamic banks, limited research explores student behavior toward local Sharia banks like Bank Sumut Syariah. Aims: This study aims to identify and analyze the dominant factors affecting UINSU students’ decisions to save at Bank Sumut Syariah. Results: Using a sample of 100 students and multiple regression analysis, the findings show that Sharia compliance, security, trust, and facilities significantly affect savings decisions, with Sharia compliance being the most influential (B = 0.312). The model explains 60.2% of the variation in saving behavior (Adjusted R² = 0.602), and the research instrument is highly reliable (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.931). Novelty: This research uniquely integrates four key variables into a localized behavioral model specific to a regional Islamic bank and student demographic. Implications: The results provide strategic insights for Islamic banks to prioritize Sharia integrity and responsive digital services to foster loyalty and align financial practices with students' religious and lifestyle values.Highlight : Sharia compliance is the most influential factor in students’ saving behavior. Security, trust, and facilities also have significant roles. The model explains 60.2% of the decision variation using four key variables.