Banc One Corp. is boosting its ATM network with installations in Mail Boxes Etc. centers throughout the country.
Columbus, Oh.-based Banc One plans to install a total of 2,000 automated teller machines, with the first thousand units to be in place by the end of this year.
Banc One spokesman John Russell said the bank is seeking retailers like Mail Boxes Etc. to draw customers to the bank. He said the retailer, which provides postal services, packing and shipping, photocopying, faxing, and office supplies in 2,700 stores in the United States, attracts small business customers, "a top priority" for Banc One.
Recently Banc One an-nounced a similar ATM deal with Diamond Shamrock gas stations.
The $101.8 billion-asset bank and Mail Boxes Etc. will pilot additional financial services offerings in selected Mail Boxes locations.
It plans to test automated loan machines, video kiosks that connect with small business bankers and other high-tech banking services. As part of this pilot program, modified Mail Boxes Etc. centers will also be opened in select Banc One branches.
"We both attract small business entrepreneurs into our lobbies, it made sense to put them together," said Mr. Russell.
The new ATMs at Mail Boxes Etc. centers will be able to dispense pre- paid phone cards, postage stamps, and other products.
