Visually impaired customers can now access more than 18,000 Bank of America ATMs, the largest network of bank-owned ATMs in the U.S.

Talking ATMs provide audible instructions in English or Spanish to persons who cannot view information on an ATM screen. These machines make it easier for people with visual impairments to withdraw cash, deposit money and perform other ATM transactions. The ATMs have audio jacks that deliver spoken instructions privately through standard headsets to protect the security of users who are blind or have low-vision.

"Bank of America has long been a leader in understanding the needs of blind and low-vision banking customers," said Jeff Thom, president of the California Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the Arlington, Virginia-based American Council of the Blind. "From talking ATMs, to accessible online banking, to Braille bank statements, we are proud to have partnered with Bank of America for almost 15 years."

In 2001, Bank of America was the first bank in the United States to announce a comprehensive plan to install talking ATMs across the country. The bank was also the first to make its Web site and online banking conform to Web accessibility standards.

"Bank of America is pleased to offer talking functionality in over 18,000 ATMs across the country," said Rob Aulebach, ATM Channel Management executive. "This is just one of many services we continue to offer to our visually impaired customers. We are proud to offer innovative solutions at our ATMs so all of our customers have the control and choice to manage their everyday finances effectively."

In addition to talking ATMs, Bank of America is the first major bank to equip all of its deposit-accepting ATMs throughout the country with deposit imaging technology. This technology is now available at 13,800 Bank of America ATMs. Deposit Image ATMs allow customers to feed checks and cash directly into the ATM slot, eliminating the need to fill out deposit slips and stuff envelopes. For cash deposits, customers can deposit up to 40 bills at a time and receive immediate credit if the transaction is made on a business day by 8 p.m., subject to certain exceptions explained in our account agreements. Deposit Image ATMs calculate deposits automatically and display information on-screen or via audio for verification.