We are mindful of the time it takes our members to conduct transactions in our banking halls and, therefore, we are always looking at ways in which we can enhance their experience when they visit our branches, so that they don’t have to wait in line for long periods.
In that vein, over the years we have invested significantly in establishing and upgrading our alternative channels so our members can serve themselves. However, to support the transition, we have continued to facilitate over-the-counter transactions, even though our alternative channels allow for greater efficiencies.
Despite that, since February 2020, we have been taking very active steps to digitalise our locations. This commenced with the phased introduction of our queue management system in our branches to reduce waiting time and improve our members comfort while waiting to conduct their transaction. This initiative began in our Half-Way Tree branch and was expanded to our New Kingston and Catherine Hall, St James locations. It will be rolled out to all of our other locations throughout the year.
Physical distancing requirements, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have further presented a need for us to reduce gatherings inside our branches and, therefore, we have boosted our digital alternative channels to support our members.
As a result, we have been encouraging members to use our Smart ATMs, Drop Box and JN Bank online banking platform, to conduct their everyday banking transactions, such as withdrawals, deposits and bill payments, which do not need to be done by a teller.
Persons who visit our branches to conduct these transactions are being redirected and assisted to use our alternative channels. The services conducted using these channels are largely free; and at our Smart ATMs persons can conduct the following transactions at no charge:
- Withdrawals up to $100,000 per day
- Make deposits to an account without the need for a debit card
Persons who opt to conduct transactions in our branches that can be done using our alternative channels, will pay an over-the-counter service charge of $1,000. However, senior citizens, 60 years and older, and members with special needs will be exempted from this fee.
These service charges will be contributed to our JN Foundation to implement projects and initiatives to serve our members and their communities.
We crave the understanding of our members and maintain our commitment to supporting them, as we continuously seek ways to enhance their experience with us.
Curtis Martin,
Managing Director
