News Release
HSBC BANK ANNOUNCES AUDIO ACCESSIBLE ATMS AVAILABLE IN MORE THAN 250 LOCATIONS
08 January 2008
New York -- HSBC Bank USA, N.A. today announced the availability of audio-enabled or "talking" ATMs in more than 250 locations across the U.S. The talking ATMs provide spoken instructions in English and Spanish and allow individuals with visual impairments to hear on-screen information when conducting banking transactions.
"As the world's local bank, we are committed to providing our diverse customer base with the best products and services available to meet all of their banking needs. HSBC appreciates the input from Westchester Disabled On the Move Inc. and the Westchester Council of the Blind that helped make our ATMs accessible to people with visual impairments," said Patti Thompson, Senior Vice President – ATM/Self-Service, HSBC Bank USA, N.A. "The audio-enabled ATMs offer visually impaired individuals, or individuals who have difficulty reading standard on-screen print, a convenient and secure way to use our ATMs and create a better banking experience overall."
"Having worked closely with HSBC to implement this technology we applaud their willingness and commitment to the blind community," said Sherry DeFrancesco of Westchester Council of the Blind. "The talking ATMs are invaluable to blind or low vision individuals, allowing them to conduct banking transactions safely and independently."
The talking ATMs are equipped with an audio jack on the front of each machine and accept most standard audio headsets. Once plugged in, the ATMs feature a recorded voice which prompts consumers through the needed steps to conduct banking transactions including: deposits, balance inquiries, cash withdrawals and transferring funds.
Customers can control the volume on the ATMs and the machines also offer a spoken tutorial providing step-by-step instructions for individuals using the ATM for the first time or anyone who would like extra help with the ATM. In addition, the tutorial provides a verbal description of the machine's layout, including the location of the opening to insert ATM cards and deposit envelopes as well as openings to receive cash and transaction receipts.
Those wishing to obtain additional information about talking ATMs, including the complete list of locations, can call 1.800.975.HSBC (4722), 716.841.7212 outside the United States or TTY/TTD: 1.800.898.5999 for the hearing impaired. A complete list of the 250 locations of the talking ATMs is also available at www.us.hsbc.com.
About HSBC Bank USA, N.A.:
HSBC USA has nearly 450 bank branches throughout the United States, with about 400 in New York State and a growing network of branches in New Jersey, Florida and California. The bank also has branches in Delaware, Washington, D.C., Washington state, Pennsylvania, and Oregon. It is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc., an indirectly-held, wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. HSBC USA Inc. one of the nation's 10 largest bank holding companies by assets.
Media inquiries to:
Francine Minadeo
francine.v.minadeo@us.hsbc.com
