CHICAGO (February 14, 2005) - Who says there's no such thing as a free ride? On February 14, Charter One Bank will give Chicagoans a special Valentine's Day treat by surprising morning commuters to “One Sweet Ride” on the CTA, proving that Charter One really is “not your typical bank.”
To celebrate the launch of its new corporate identity in Illinois, Charter One Bank will celebrate its “brand opening” by treating commuters at select CTA stations to a free single-ride farecard, along with coffee and other giveaways. Rush hour commuters will be greeted on February 14 at the following select CTA stations between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Locations:
- Clark and Lake
- Tom Hollister, President & CEO of Charter One Bank, will greet morning commuters at this CTA station in the State of Illinois building. There will also be entertainment and giveaways at the Charter One tent and booth.
- Washington (Red and Blue Lines)
- Jackson (Red and Blue Lines)
“We want Chicago to know that we're thrilled to be here and that our number one priority is our customers,” said Tom Hollister, President & CEO of Charter One Bank. “Valentine's Day seemed like an appropriate day to show our affection for this great city.”
The free ride giveaway is intended to familiarize area residents with the “new” Charter One Bank and its new slogan – “Not your typical bank.” Last September, Charter One was acquired by Citizens Financial Group. While the highly recognizable Charter One name will remain, the bank will change its colors from red and blue to Citizens green.
Customers at Charter One Bank's 128 Illinois branches can look forward to improved resources as a result of combining the two leading financial institutions - meaning legendary customer service, better products and services and more community involvement than ever before, including more than three times as much in charitable contributions.
For commuters unable to get downtown for the giveaway, representatives will be handing out farecards at all Charter One branches while supplies last.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE NEW CHARTER ONE BANK:
Branches: One of the first things customers will notice is a different look at neighborhood branches starting with new signs, but the same great services remain. Customers can take advantage of new product offerings including Green Checking, Circle Checking and the Circle Money Market Account. Business Customers will also experience enhanced product offerings in the TCB Totally Free, TCB Premier and TCB Premier Money accounts.
ATMs & Night Depositories: Charter One ATMs and night depositories for business throughout the state will be adorned in a vibrant backlit green.
Statements: Customers will continue to receive statements as usual, but now they will feature the new vibrant logo.
Account numbers and PINs: Account numbers, debit card numbers and PINS will remain the same. When new cards are distributed, they will include the new logo, but all information will remain the same.
Checking and Savings Accounts: Checks, deposit slips and savings withdrawal slips are still valid. When reordering new checks, all account numbers will remain the same.
Online Banking: Customers can continue to bank as usual using Charter One Bank online banking with free online bill payment at www.charterone.com.
About Charter One Bank, N.A.
After its August 31, 2004 acquisition by Citizens Financial Group, Inc., Charter One Bank, N.A., is a $49 billion bank operating in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York and Vermont. It has more than 700 offices and 1,030 ATMs. Charter One is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $131 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,580 offices, approximately 2,800 ATMs and approximately 24,000 employees in 13 states.