The Ohio Credit Union system unveiled a new state-of-the-art mobile branch called Bankroll that creators hope will appeal to credit unions interested taking their business on the road.
Appropriately dubbed Bankroll, the 46-foot vehicle includes a spacious lobby with two teller windows and a check-writing station, a walk-up ATM and a full-service bullet-resistant drive up window.
This display model was outfitted with high-tech tech security systems with 16 interior and bullet-resistant exterior cameras, card-swipe access and micro-switch trigger alarms, and a communication system that includes six phone lines with land, cellular and satellite networks, high-speed computer access and encrypted wireless capabilities.
"There are so many different options available,'' said Lisa Wylie, marketing director of Romary Associates, of Fort Wayne, Ind., the designer and builder of the concept vehicle.
"Customers can buy the unit and custom design it with particular items that suit their needs.''
Starting cost is $560,000, she said, or about half the cost to build a brick and mortar branch.
"But with the mobile branch, the market range is unlimited,'' she said. "Besides that, you have a 45-foot traveling billboard.''
Wylie said Romary Associates expects that financial institutions will see the unit's appeal to test new market areas, operate as a temporary facility during construction of new branches, aid in disaster recovery plans and directly serve SEGS and underserved areas.
Since unveiling the vehicle at the OCUS's annual convention last month, Wylie said, several credit unions and other financial institutions have expressed interest in ordering Bankrolls. One CU is in negotiations to purchase the concept vehicle.
Separately, CUNA has partnered with Agility Recovery Solutions to develop mobile branches for disaster recovery. ReadySuite Financial is equipped with power, satellite communications, Internet access and traditional branch amenities such as teller counter, lobby area and check counter.
