Chase Bank Shutting Down Its ATMs
Chase bank is shutting down some ATMs in New York City after a certain hour, which will differ depending on the location of the ATM, due to an exponential rise in crimes.
Crime is surging in New York City, forcing many companies to rethink how they do business. Unfortunately, the impact is far-reaching, as even banks have to make rapid adjustments. A prime example is Chase, whose customers received unwelcome news last week.
Hundreds of Chase ATMs dot New York City. So until now, its customers had no problem getting cash for a late-night snack or trip to the bar. But that all changed on a dime.
This week, the banking giant announced it would no longer allow 24-hour access to many of its ATMs in the city. Chase cited multiple reasons for the bad news, including “rising crime and vagrancy.” The company determined some areas were no longer safe for its customers late at night.
Chase provided a statement to CNN about the closures. It read, in part, “We review our ATM hours on a case-by-case basis and for a variety of reasons may decide to temporarily close some overnight.” However, the bank did not shutter the impacted ATMs.
Instead, Chase instituted adjusted hours. Some ATM vestibules will close around 5 or 6 pm. But others will remain open until 10 pm.
Many New York City residents who bank with Chase dislike the changes. The company immediately received countless online complaints after it instituted the new hours. One upset customer tweeted, “Are you going to refund the ATM fees to customers when we get ripped off to use a bodega ATM to pay for our late night slice of pizza, because you can’t provide a basic service to account holders?”
It is understandable why customers are so upset. After all, we are all used to certain conveniences. So, to have those suddenly removed is a bit jarring.
But it appears that the policy is here to stay, even if the impacted ATMs change. That means NYC residents may have to make some adjustments – like taking out “just in case” cash on their way home from work. Well, at least until the city deals with its crime a little more.
Per CNN, “Overall crime in NYC was up 23.5% in 2022, though shootings and homicides have decreased over the past year, Mayor Adams announced in December.” The mayor recognizes the impact crime has on businesses, including banks like Chase. He even held a press conference on Monday to specifically address the ATM problem.
Mayor Adams said, “People don’t want to walk into the ATM and see someone urinating… see someone screaming and yelling. And that is what I’m saying I need to stop because I don’t want my ATMs closing down. I don’t want people leaving our city.”
“We have to create an environment that people are safe and feel safe,” he continued. However, residents would likely prefer some action over just words. So hopefully, the mayor takes steps in the right direction.
Chase customers in the Big Apple would love the news that their corner ATM is finally re-opened for late-night use. That way, they don’t have to eat hefty ATM fines at the bodega. And can happily get their nightly fix without spending an unnecessary fortune.
