What Is a Video Teller and Why Use It?

Ask almost anyone today and they can tell you what an ATM is. The First U.S. ATM was installed in 1969 and today what seems like a normal part of the financial industry was once a groundbreaking option offered to bank customers. In 2013, the next innovative version of the ATM - the video teller, previously the Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) was introduced. Soon after Frontier Bank began offering this cutting-edge technology to our customers, implementing our first video tellers in early 2015.

While the video tellers may look a lot like an ATM they offer customers so much more. Video tellers provide convenience for the customer that a teller normally gives as an in-branch experience. They can take care of most basic banking needs without having to get out of your car. They deliver a balance between your “traditional” ATMs and in-person banking services.

With anything new, there are often questions or reservations involved. So, let's break down what a video teller is, what it can do, and how to use one.

How is a video teller different from an ATM?

Though the video tellers function as 24/7 ATMs, they are not just cash machines. They offer customers a face-to-face personal interaction with a Frontier Bank representative using video-based interactive technology, much like Skype or Facetime. However, it is not just a simple video chat. The on-screen representative is controlling the video teller and all its functions remotely, walking you through every step. This makes using the video teller super easy!

What kinds of transactions can a video teller do?

Customers can deposit checks/cash, withdraw funds from multiple accounts, transfer money, cash checks down to the penny, make loan payments, and more.

How do I use the video teller?

Simply touch the screen and a Frontier Bank representative from one of our local branches will appear to assist you with your transaction. Remember after you touch the screen the Frontier Bank representative takes over, controlling the machine's functions, and walks you through your transaction.

What hours are the video tellers available?

Video tellers are open, Monday through Friday 7 am-6 pm and Saturdays from 9 am-12 pm at all our locations. With the video technology, we can expand our banking hours and serve customers on their schedule.

What are some tips for using the video teller?

• Unlike an ATM, you do not need a debit card to conduct a transaction. The live representative can look you up by name or account number and even scan your ID if necessary.
• The video teller can accept multiple items at a time of either check or cash. It works best when the items are flat with no tears and all paperclips, staples, and rubber bands have been removed.
• If you would like more privacy the on-screen volume can be adjusted, earphones or headsets can be plugged in, and you can use the chat messaging system on the touch screen to type a message or scan a piece of paper for the representative to read.

What are some additional perks of using a video teller?

• Cash can be withdrawn on request in a variety of denominations including 1s, 5s, the 20s, or 50s. This means you can get your cash exactly how you want it, and withdrawals conducted this way will not affect your daily debit card withdrawal limits.
• A live representative can help with a variety of non-transaction-based requests as well including balance inquires, ordering debit card replacements, check orders, account travel notices, and more.
• If you are on your lunch break or pressed for time, you can typically complete your transactions in a fraction of the time at the video teller versus traditional options.
• As people adapt to a post-Covid world, they are using technology more and more in their daily lives. Video tellers are a great example of this and are on their way to becoming a standard in the Financial Industry.

Stop by your local Frontier Bank branch and try the video teller today!

Sarah Weber
Video Banking Manager
Phone: 712-472-2537
sarahw@frontierbank.com