Customers at Chase bank’s downtown Kent branch, 512 W Smith St., can skip the teller line to take care of their banking needs.
The branch recently was retrofitted with two new eATMs during a remodel of the bank’s lobby.
The ATMs feature large touch screens and allow users to perform many tasks that previously required a teller’s assistance, such as printing statements. A popular feature is that customers can choose the denomination of bills, including $1 bills, they get when withdrawing money instead of just the standard $20 bills dispensed at most ATMs.
Jamie Cecich, Chase bank’s market manager for Washington, said the new machines have been installed in new branches over the past two years and now some branches are getting the machines. Kent is one of the busier locations so it was selected for the new additions, he said.
“We are investing to bring it to our existing branches and our existing customers,” he said.
Cecich said eATMs use technology that people are accustomed with to help them get their banking done quickly.
“The demand for these kinds of services is growing exponentially,” he said. “We are trying to get ahead of the curve. This is definitely something setting us apart a little.”
Branch manager Trish Carter said patrons have taken a liking to the new additions to the bank.
“Customers have fun with it,” she said.
Even older customers, who sometimes are intimidated by technology, seem to enjoy using the new machines, Carter said
“They have so much confidence after using the machines,” she said
Carter said when customers come into the branch, tellers will show them how to use the new ATMs.
“Our primary goal since we added these is to educate our customers,” she said.
Cecich said this helps customers become more comfortable with the new technology.
“It is a little daunting if you’ve never used an ATM before,” he said. “Once they use them, they are smiles, big fans.”
Oralia Villalobos of Auburn used the eATM for the first time while at the bank to make deposit. She said using the ATM was easier than having to visit the teller.
The branch also is one of only a handful in the area that can print new or replacement ATM/debit cards on the spot. It takes about two minutes to print the card, and it is ready for immediate use. Customers don’t have wait for new card to come in the mail, Carter said, which is convenient if someone loses their card and needs a new one.
Carter said she has had customers come from as far away from Olympia to get a new card printed.
She said on average, the branch prints 10 to 20 cards a day.
“But, it is growing,” she said.
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