Tired of running out of cash after a long holiday, or frantically searching for an ATM that doesn’t close at 6pm? Well, the good news is that Japanese banks are finally waking up to the fact that convenience matters to customers. UFJ Bank is gradually introducing 24-hour service at many of its ATMs. Customers can open the doors to stand-alone UFJ ATM booths by swiping their ATM cards in an automatic reader at the entrance. Convenience store ATMs also offer an alternative option. Currently, Shinsei Bank is the only retail bank offering complete coverage at all convenience store chain ATMs (Seven Eleven Japan, am-pm, Family Mart, and Lawson), while UFJ Bank customers can utilize ATMs at all stores with some variations on service level. Conversely, Mitsui Sumitomo Bank customers can only use am/pm’s ATM machines.
© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.