www.citizensonline.com

Citizens Bank provides an attractive and timely banner promoting its co-branded online tax prep service
(see related article on previous page).

Citizens Bancshares (Evansville, IN; $4.7 billion) demonstrates how a Web investment can be leveraged to support other access methods. In this case, the bank’s Web site/server is serving double-duty as a touchscreen kiosk.

The first kiosk was installed at the University of Southern Indiana in June 1997. The kiosk is one component of an entire semi-automated branch targeted at University students and faculty. The automated branch also includes a full service ATM with depository, single key student lockboxes, neon signage, and a video poster board with news, weather, sports, etc.

The nearest branch, which is three miles away, manages the automated branch. It is staffed by a part-time associate whose responsibilities include sales and training customers to use the branch. The ATM dispenses coupons for nearby restaurants.

The bank reports relatively low usage so far, with 200 accounts opened at the branch, some via the kiosk. Cost of the kiosk was $25,000 from North Communications. Three more automated branches are planned, two at Indiana University and one in downtown Louisville.

Citizens has laid out its Web with large buttons and bold text against a backdrop of white. Photographs liven up the page without creating undue download

Citizens uses large buttons that also work on a touchscreen kiosk.

delays. Even though the layout was dictated by the design constraints of the kiosk, it works well on a regular PC screen and it is also well-suited for users accessing accounts via Web TV or other systems using a TV screen for display.

We were also impressed with the file-size engineering that went into the photography. The photos are quite eye-catching, but are relatively thin at 16-20k each. Overall, the layout is a refreshing change from the busy Web sites we’ve become accustomed to wading through. Citizens is on the right path. We look forward to watching them fill-out the Web with additional information and services.

Contact: Jim Tucker is VP & Director of Electronic Banking, (812)456-4200, tuckercj@citizensonline.com .

/

CNB has wisely integrated the customer’s Personal Financial Statement into its online banking program. Whenever users are ready to apply for a loan, they simply update the document and print it out.