Kalamazoo, MICH — When the State shut down earlier this spring due to COVID-19, most financial institutions, including Consumers Credit Union, closed their doors and serviced members through the drive thrus only. Consumers was in a most unique position in that an investment in replacing traditional teller tubes with TellerPlus+ banking (i.e., Interactive Tellers) in the drive thrus the previous summer meant employees could truly Stay Home, Stay Safe.

“During the height of the pandemic, we went from 18% to 100% of our transactions happening through TellerPlus+ banking,” said Chief Operating Officer Scott Sylvester. “We were able to pivot so quickly thanks to our cross-training efforts, which saw as many as 34 retail staff employees serving members through the TellerPlus+ machines.”

The quick transition caught the attention of Mastercard^®, who awarded the institution a national Community Institution Segment Award for Innovation through service of its members through TellerPlus+.

“Members were very quick to pick up on the new technology,” Sylvester said, “But we still had people saying, ‘Okay, it’s great we can bank safely, but what about touching the machines themselves—doesn’t that still spread germs?’”

The short answer is, “No, thanks to new safety procedures.” Recently Consumers invested in the application of MonoFoil M, which can be applied in or onto a product to provide an antimicrobial coating both inside and at the surface. The shield’s antimicrobial protection is sustained for up to 3 months after application and lasts between cleanings.

“We still, of course, recommend washing your hands or using hand sanitizer always,” said Sylvester, “but this new safety measure does give some additional piece of mind for our members.”

All of the current TellerPlus+ banking machines in the Consumers’ drive thrus and offices are maintained with Monofoil in addition to regular cleanings by employees.

Most Consumers offices are currently open for service, however, some locations are currently limited due to planned renovations. All drive thrus remain open for ATM access 24/7 with teller availability from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday. Additional services are available online or by phone.