Forum Moderators: open
Anyway, I get to the machine and reach for an envelope, it's habit, and wait! Where the heck are the envelopes? Hmmm, step back, check the other machines, same thing, the envelopes are gone. Damn kids, happens frequently!
So, I decide to read what is now in front of me and it says that the ATM procedures have now changed and I no longer need an envelope to make deposits of checks and/or cash. Huh? Those kids must have had an impact. :)
Okay, so let's start the process...
Ah, they want me to insert each check individually, okay.
Oh-oh, that took about 15-20 seconds and there are people standing in line behind me. With 3 ATMs, and this new procedure, it looks like this will be the new hangout for many making deposits.
I have a few checks to deposit so I go through the process as required for each one. I'm impressed. Its scanning and verifying everything each time. You see a picture of the item scanned after each transaction. I'm done, it took about 5 minutes total. It usually takes less than a minute as you would put all checks into a deposit envelope and then feed that to the ATM.
I usually don't print a receipt but this time I did. Wow! There were all the checks, all sized perfectly to fit, perfectly legible and all verified.
So, what exactly did BOA do in this process? I think they realized that technology was available to improve their internal processes. And, I think this was a rather large one. There was definitely a compromise of convenience. For those with 5+ more checks and/or more than 5+ bills, you'll probably want to go inside now and make your deposit. I think lines at Bank of America just got a bit longer, what say ye?
On a side note, ever since 911, I've had an extra sense of awareness that I didn't have before. Each time I go to make those deposits and lick that damn envelope, I think to myself...
My parents have been using the service for a several months. And even my mom, an admitted technophobe, loves it.
Regarding the ATMs, it sounds like prety much the same concept, although I would be really annoyed if I needed to make a quick withdrawl and got stuck behind a line of people depositing 20 checks each. If they have 3 machines, maybe they could make one an "express" ATM that doesn't accept deposits.
Not exactly sure when (maybe a year ago?), but CitiBank (at least our local branch) started providing self-gumming envelopes so you don't have to lick them.
If that's not allowed can you PM the same? Thanks!...KF
