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Chase ups tech factor at Houston branches

July 7, 2003

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HOUSTON -- New York-based JPMorgan Chase is trying to win Houston banking consumers with branches that feature such high-tech amenities as Internet kiosks, video tellers and plasma screens.

According to a Houston Business Journal report, Chase recently opened two new-look branches in the Houston market, with five more of the prototypes to follow.

At the new locations, Chase is using electronic enhancements such as 42-inch plasma screens that air marketing messages tailored to the local community. Internet kiosks allow customers to call up account and product information without a teller's help.

Even drive-through lanes have gone higher tech, with video screens that allow drive-through customers to see tellers on video screens. Drive-through facilities traditionally offer only audio.

According to the Business Journal, each approximately 4,000-square-foot branch will cost between $2 million and $2.5 million to build.

Tim Olmstead, a finance manager in retail banking for Chase's Southwest region, called the prototypes "the branch of the future."