STRATEGIC PARTNERS
March 18, 2003
BOSTON -- FleetBoston Financial has added several advanced transactions to its voice guidance or "talking" ATMs.
First introduced by Fleet in February of 2001, the talking ATMs allowed the blind and visually impaired to make withdrawals and deposits, make transfers/payments to linked accounts or obtain balance information using standard earphones plugged into a private audio jack at the ATM.
According to a news release, Fleet has added the abilities to set or change PINs, set or change preferred withdrawal amounts, purchase stamps, print mini-statements and submit certain payments such as Fleet loan payments via envelopes.
As of March 1, more than 1,220 of Fleet's 3,500 ATMs in eight Northeastern states had audio capabilities. Fleet plans to add nearly 200 more talking ATMs by the end of the year.
Visually impaired non-customers can use Fleet's talking ATMs, though they will pay an ATM surcharge to do so, according to the release.
Fleet also offers its visually impaired customers checking and savings statements as well as other publications in their choice of large print, Braille, audiocassette or computer disk. For visually impaired customers using Fleet HomeLink Online Banking and Bill Payment, the Accessibility page of Fleet's Web site offers tips for using online banking with screen reader technology.
