Bank Of America Bringing Teller Video Chat To ATMs

Banks are great. They allow us to store our money in a safe place, that way we don't have to deal with it ourselves, but sometimes we need to make a withdrawal or a deposit, and you're just not in a talking mood that day. That's where ATMs come in, but Bank of America is looking to take the social aspect of bank tellers and bring them to ATMs as well.

Bank of America is calling the new technology Teller Assist, and it will allow customers to video chat live with tellers in order to do more at ATMs than what would traditionally be offered. This includes cashing checks and receiving change, making withdrawals in denominations other than multiples of 20, and even make loan or credit card payments straight from the ATM.

Bank of America says that Teller Assist will allow customers who prefer human interaction an improved way of banking during after-hours or on the weekends. I know that I enjoy the social aspect of banking, but sometimes I can only make it there in the evenings and on the weekends. This method, however, provides a nifty compromise.

The Teller Assist program is beginning to roll out now starting in Boston, and will make its way to other markets throughout the year. It won't be a 24/7 program, but the company notes that Teller Assist ATMs will be open from 7 AM to 10 PM, and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends, which should give early risers and night dwellers more time to hit the bank during the week.

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