COLUMBIA, S.C.–SAFE FCU here said it has become the first in this state to install Personal Teller Machines, allowing members to drive up to the machines – just as they do with an ATM – and interact with a live teller via a video screen and audio connection.
“We like to think of it as Skype-like banking from the convenience of your car,” said Toby Hayes, vice president of marketing for SAFE.
The machines are located at SAFE’s new branch, at 727 Fashion Drive in northeast Columbia. SAFE has moved its branch operations to the new building following relocation from a nearby facility in a storefront. The Personal Teller Machines, known as PTMs, connect Columbia SAFE members with live tellers in Sumter, where the credit union is headquartered. The advanced machines are manufactured by NCR.
The new branch, with seven employees, features six inside teller stations and five member service representative offices. It also offers safe deposit boxes with biometric access.
Hayes said the PTMs reflect a strategy of moving away from shopping center locations in favor of standalone sites that can offer more convenience for members.
“We have plans to relocate some other branches in the near future, so that we can offer PTM drive-through lanes and other features that make banking with us even easier for our members,” Hayes said.