In Chase’s New Digital Lobby, Teller Windows Are Out of Sight (Literally)

Want a peek at the bank of the near future?

At JPMorgan Chase’s Manhattan headquarters, digital technology and interior design came together in a model branch that Bank Innovation toured last week. 

As with many branch-of-the-future models, self-service via tablets and enhanced ATMs, as well as fluid movement around the space, are paramount in Chase’s example. Teller lines? Not so much. They’re still around, but tucked away, almost out of sight.(See picture at right.)

The tablets available around the branch will log a customer in with any ID (driver’s license, resident ID, passport). With any one of these identifying documents, the customer receives a one-time permission code for full access to ATM functions. The eATM digital interfaces use the same platform, allowing cardless transactions.

Hidden from immediate sight in the far-out right and left are the old-fashioned business teller station and advice center, for customers of a more conservative persuasion to engage behind a real desk. This way no one will feel in the way of other customers.

Chase is also updating its ATMs. The new devices, already in place at a few select locations, will offer multiple-denomination withdrawals of $1s, $5s, $20s and $100s. Say goodbye to that irksome multiplication table.

The bank’s drive-through ATM model, seen at right, is also NFC-compatible, meaning a mobile phone tap is sufficient for login. Mobile authentication should also help reduce fraud stemming from card-skimming devices — about which, see this overview from security expert Brian Krebs.

The Micro-ATM, seen below, allows customers to login with their phone or smartwatch via NFC. Only three models are currently in existence. They allow check cashing, emailed receipts, and preloading transactions using one’s mobile phone. For this, customers obtain a one-time-access code on their Chase mobile app. That’s a lot of features packed in a small device. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that it glows a cool and possibly sentient blue, either.