News

Cardholders donate $1 million plus through bank's ATMs

March 23, 2011

Wells Fargo & Company cardholders donated more than $1 million in 10 days through the bank's ATMs to aid victims of Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

"At Wells Fargo we are honored to serve such generous customers," said Jonathan Velline, head of Wells Fargo ATM Banking and Store Strategy. "When we heard the news, we were able to quickly deploy our ATMs and offer customers a convenient way to make donations. The response far exceeded our expectations."

The San Francisco-based bank, which operates the nation's third-largest ATM network, encouraged cardholders to donate funds to the American Red Cross through Wells Fargo's more than 9,000-branded ATMs.  Only Wells Fargocustomers could use the ATMs to donate to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund.

Raising funds for the earthquake and tsunami victims was the first time Wells Fargo had deployed its entire branded-ATM network in a charitable effort.  The bank operates more than 12,000 ATMs nationwide, but 3,000 machines are being converted from Wachovia Bank, and they were not able to accept donations.

"Our thanks go out to all the Wells Fargo customers and team members who have donated at Wells Fargo ATMs or through other channels," said Tim Hanlon, head of the Wells Fargo Foundation. "Your support is incredibly valuable as the people of Japan work to overcome a terrible tragedy. We encourage others to consider making a contribution to the relief efforts—large or small, it all helps."

Wells Fargo cardholders can still donate funds through the ATMs to the American Red Cross. Customers are not charged any fees for using the service and 100 percent of the donation is sent to the American Red Cross.

In addition to accepting donations from cardholders through its ATMs, Wells Fargo donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross. The bank will match dollar-for-dollar donations from employees for a potential total of $1.5 million.

Do charitable donations present a new opportunity for ATM owners?