With help from , Incorporated (NYSE:DBD), University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) will soon welcome members to a unique teller-less banking environment.
UFCU plans to open three teller-less branches in the Austin, Texas, region to provide members with independent, yet personalized, banking experiences. UFCU designed open, inviting branches and Diebold will provide a unique terminal that will combine self-service deposit automation technology with personal human interaction.
One key to implementing teller-less branches is the use of sophisticated ATMs featuring deposit automation technology. UFCU's custom-designed Diebold ATMs support envelope-free transactions in which users load cash and checks directly into the machine. Enhanced note acceptors accept up to 50 mixed-denomination notes, and intelligent depository modules process checks and bill payment documents. The ATM displays cash and check deposit details on screen and prints details, including check images, on receipts.
"We want member interactions with University Federal Credit Union to be about their experience. Each positive interaction will increase members' comfort levels and encourage them to grow with us as a partner," said Steve Kubala, senior vice president, operations, chief operating officer, UFCU. "Diebold was instrumental in helping us realize branch designs that enable positive experiences through a mix of member independence and opportunities for engagement."
At the new branches, UFCU members will enter an open environment featuring individual banking stations. Each station includes a Diebold Opteva® automated teller machine (ATM), a podium and a collaboration desk. Personal financial representatives (PFRs) staffing each podium will welcome members and offer assistance with ATM transactions. The PFRs serve a distinct role as credit union ambassadors - not tellers - who interact with members in a more personalized, member-centric fashion.
The banking station arrangement enables members to complete self-service check and cash deposit and withdrawal transactions at the ATM. It also presents opportunities for PFRs to inquire about members' needs. Given the chance to discuss credit union offerings, a PFR and member can sit at the collaboration area to review member goals and align those goals with available services.
"Teller-less branches provide a unique level of autonomy for banking customers, allowing them to manage their own transactions," said Charles E. Ducey, Jr., executive vice president, North America operations, Diebold. "But individuals may still need support. The branch designs we have developed with UFCU enable the credit union to offer that personalized support in a comfortable, sales-oriented environment."
As the largest locally-owned financial institution in Austin, UFCU serves more than 133,000 members from 160 universities, associations and employers. The credit union operates 15 branches in central Texas and Galveston. Its first teller-less branch is scheduled to open in January 2012.
In addition, UFCU has purchased more than 10 Opteva drive-up ATMs, which Diebold will install at various branches. UFCU is also exploring adding ATM security options to its network of more than 90 ATMs.