Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Launches 24/7 Drive-up Personal Teller

KINGSTON, N.Y., Aug. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine this. As you run errands on a typical Sunday afternoon you pull up to what appears to be your bank's ATM to deposit a check. Much to your surprise, a teller pops up on screen and greets you by name. The teller asks how your day is going. You reply, "I'm doing great, just depositing a check today." You then proceed to insert the check into the scanner. There is no deposit slip, no envelope to fill out. You watch on the screen as the teller reads your check and then immediately posts the deposit to your account. Your receipt is printed and the teller thanks you, again by name, for stopping by. You drive off having never left your vehicle.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110804/DC47506-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110804/DC47506-b)

This isn't the future of banking, this is now and only at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (MHV).

Thinking Outside the Branch

MHV is the first financial institution in the world to implement the 24/7 Drive-up Personal Teller which allows its members to conduct their banking with a teller from the comfort of their vehicles via video portal. Developed by uGenius Technology, the 24/7 Personal Teller represents state-of-the-art customer service technology and the biggest retail banking development since the ATM.  "The drive-up configuration adds a new, and even higher level of convenience", states Bob Michaud, Chief Marketing Officer for MHV.

The 24/7 Drive-up Personal Teller can handle virtually any transaction done at a teller window such as withdrawals, deposits using both checks and cash, loan payments and account transfers. The member interacts with the teller through a video portal where they can see and hear each other, just like in the branch but from the comfort of their vehicle. Tellers assist members from a central location in MHV's headquarters in Kingston, NY.  "There are many times when our members need to speak with a teller.  A machine, even some of the newer, full-featured ATMs, can't offer that level of personal service," states Michaud.

Banking That is Unrestricted

Since the Personal Teller service is offered 'round the clock, the time barriers to banking are eliminated. Members no longer have to schedule their time around typical branch hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or even most holidays.  This especially helps to improve the lives of service and shift workers, removing the stress of juggling work and financial errands.

According to Michaud, "The MHV brand is centered on a promise to members to build banking around them and their needs. We strive to continuously take member service to a higher level and the 24/7 Personal Teller technology easily allows us to deliver on that brand promise. Now members don't even have to leave their vehicles to interact with our tellers!"

Saving Money While Adding More Locations

24/7 Personal Tellers were first introduced in the branch lobbies and vestibules of MHV's 11 branch locations starting in 2008. MHV was only among a few financial institutions to adapt the technology and the first to provide 24/7 service. With the success of the lobby version, the Drive-up Personal Teller was designed into the construction of two of MHV's newest branches in Port Ewen and Middletown, NY which opened this year.

Future plans include another 24/7 Drive-up Personal Teller included in the construction of a new branch in Newburgh, NY which is expected to open in early 2012. Also in the works are plans to create free-standing drive up or walk up units which cost significantly less to build and maintain than a traditional brick-and-mortar branch.

Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union is a member-owned credit union serving individuals and businesses throughout Ulster, Dutchess and Orange counties in New York State. Since 1963, MHV has helped to make our members' lives easier by providing complete and convenient financial solutions. As a credit union strongly influenced by technology, member experience is driven by innovation, reliable service and easy access.  MHV offers a complete array of personal and business banking solutions, low rate financing, 24/7 Personal Teller and convenient e-Services to our members. Please visit mhvfcu.com for more information.

SOURCE Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union