Bank branch operations have been curtailed by the snow and ice at many metro Atlanta institutions.
The city’s top three by market share -- SunTrust Banks, Wells Fargo and Bank of America -- kept their branches closed again on Tuesday. SunTrust decided late morning on Tuesday not to try to reopen at noon, according a bank spokesman.
“Our branches and local offices are remaining closed today with plans to open business as usual tomorrow,” said SunTrust’s Hugh Suhr.
Representatives for SunTrust, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase and others encouraged consumers and business customers to use telephone or online banking tools for most banking needs. Many banks offer the ability for customers to deposit checks remotely and pay bills online if they are enrolled in the programs.
Banks also offer the ability to make deposits through automated teller machines at branch offices and other locations. ATMs are operating for immediate cash needs, though customers should be aware that if they deposit a check through a cash machine, in most cases they must already have enough money in their accounts to cover an immediate withdrawal of funds. Accounts typically take 24 hours to update.
Wells Fargo spokesman Jay Lawrence said at noon on Tuesday that the company, which acquired Wachovia in 2008, did not yet know if branches would open on Wednesday.
“Today’s a great day to try online banking,” Lawrence said. “We want to get open as soon as we can.”
Wells Fargo locations that normally offer Saturday hours will have extended service to 2 p.m. this coming Saturday, he said.
A Bank of America spokeswoman said customers can check the bank's website, www.bankofamerica.com, for information about Wednesday service at specific branches.
Chase, which has 62 branches in metro Atlanta, said its branches would remain closed Tuesday, but the company brought in trucks to clear snow and ice from empty parking lots.
“Some of our branches are clear now and the rest will be cleared by the end of today,” said Chase spokeswoman Nancy Norris. “We will determine early Wednesday morning if the roads are safe for our employees to travel to work. We expect some, or all, of our branches to be open on Wednesday.”
Also closed Tuesday were the branches of the state’s largest credit union, Delta Community.
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