First National Bank is investing R55-million to increase its ATM footprint with an additional 500 new ATMs across the country to service its growing customer base, now at 6.2 million.

This move will see FNB expand its ATM network to 5400, providing banking services to numerous people living in both urban and rural communities.

"Our growing customer base bears testimony to the progress we are making to bring more people into the mainstream of financial services, as well as meet the growing transactional needs of existing customers," says Barry de Witt, CEO for FNB Branch Banking.

"A bank account is the key to participating in the economy, and we at FNB are doing our best to ensure that all South Africans have the means to become active participants in financial services by increasing the number of our access points and improving convenience," adds De Witt.

Banking services becomes critical

He explains that, as a bank, FNB realizes that once the need has been entrenched across all consumer segments, access to banking services becomes critical from the less sophisticated to the most affluent of our customers. "Access must be convenient, which means that our ATMs must be located in areas where the need is most acute in both rural and urban areas," says De Witt.

FNB hopes the ATM roll-out will have economic spin-offs for business customers, too, including merchants such as store owners and fuel service station operators.

The 500 additional ATMs will comprise retail or in-store ATMs, such as those one finds inside fuel service station convenience stores, and full service ATMs as found in various locations – including shopping malls and branches.

Fastest ATM cash withdrawals

FNB ATMs have elevated the ATM machine from its cash dispensing status to a customized interface device that facilitates a relationship-building with the customer. They have also enabled customers to make the fastest ATM cash withdrawals in the country within 20 seconds. This represents an improved performance of six seconds, thus reducing queues at FNB ATMs.

Retailers using FNB ATMs have seen increased foot traffic and turnover, as customers enjoy the convenience of extended cash availability.

With 500 more ATMs, FNB hopes to increase its network penetration and meet the transactional demand of people, as towns and residential areas (both rural and urban) expand in population size.

"Considering the current tough economic conditions and increased costs of living, every Rand saved towards commuting to a bank counts. By bringing ATMs closer to the people, we are improving access to banking and reducing the cost of banking for our customers," says De Witt.

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