ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, November 20, 1996 TAG: 9611200087
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MAG POFF
The newest checking option at First Union National Bank of Virginia is an account with no minimum balance, no monthly charge, no cost per check - and no tellers.
Called Express Checking, it requires a direct payroll deposit, and all other business must be conducted by ATM, phone and automated transfers. Visit a teller, however, and you will pay $8 a month, said First Union. Or choose to deposit payroll checks directly and you'll pay $2 a month.
The bank said its other accounts are not affected. People who want to visit tellers can keep their present accounts.
The account was introduced in August to college students in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. About 10,000 students have enrolled. It was chosen by one of every two customers in a pilot program at Asheville, Durham and Chapel Hill, N.C.
The bank said the account is designed for customers who like using ATMs and automated delivery systems. "These transactions are less costly for the bank, and First Union will pass the savings along to the customer."
Customers can open an account by calling 1-800-801-0716 or visiting a First Union branch office.
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