New banking technology is eliminating physical bank tellers

Bank tellers may one day be a thing of the past now that banks are implementing Interactive Teller Machines.

We’re used to using ATMs that allow us to perform minimal functions without dealing with the fuss of waiting on line or needing the bank to be open, but the new Interactive Teller technology developed by global tech company NCR can make banking quicker and more convenient by featuring a virtual teller.

Banking with an interactive teller. (Image via NCR)

Yes, the teller is a real human, but he or she does not have to be in-the-flesh to assist you at the bank anymore.

The machine includes a 15-inch LCD touchscreen display, a barcode reader, video camera, signature capture device, and a photo ID scanner to allow the user to perform routine transactions immediately.

The Coastal Federal Credit Union in Raleigh, NC, has already eliminated tellers at 15 of its branches and replaced them with this form of video banking. As a result, the bank was able to extend its hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week.

Bank of America also started installing a version of these assisted-teller ATMs in April in some Boston and Atlanta branched, but they have not yet upgraded to the full-fledged Interactive Teller machines.

What can I do at an Interactive Teller Machine?

A bank customer doesn’t always have to talk to a virtual teller, but if they choose to, all that’s required is the press of a button and the video screen will display the next available teller. Then the user can perform transactions such as withdrawals, deposits, check cashing, bill payments, new account initiations, and customer service.

 
Although it looks like a traditional ATM, it can perform all routine banking transactions. (Image via NCR)

Since the machine is humanly controlled, people can receive any bill denomination when they receive cash back, faster transactions, and their deposits will even be posted in real time, as opposed to the delay experienced when making a deposit at a traditional ATM.

At least there’s a way to keep humans in the position still and not let the robots take over completely.

Story via NBC News.