Marketer Helping Banks Tout Free ATM Transactions

As surcharging at automated teller machines reaches New England, a marketing and advertising company has found its own way to cash in on the trend.

Sundin Associates Inc., Natick, Mass., has developed a program for community banks-replete with colorful logos and Web sites-that will alert customers about ATMs in the area that do not charge a fee for withdrawing cash.

Sundin will charge banks $2,500 for its Surcharge-Free ATM Marketing Program.

Sundin appeals to community banks' greatest fear: losing customers to the big banks with large ATM networks.

"You have made a significant investment in your checking account customers," said a press release. "You need to protect that investment."

The package includes a listing of the community bank's ATMs that have no surcharge in a special directory. The bank will get 3,500 printed copies of the listing for distribution to customers.

Also included are surcharge-free ATM logo decals, camera-ready art for advertising, statement stuffers, and ATM locations on Sundin's Surcharge- Free Web site.

Sundin plans to promote its program to media outlets in New England. Boston-based Fleet Financial Group Inc. is one of the first banks to begin surcharging in New England.

However, Connecticut's attorney general, calling surcharges illegal in the state, plans to take Fleet to court.

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