That began in late February through a direct mail campaign. The cost to provide wireless banking was minimal, Dorphinghaus says. A data processor, Electronic Data Systems, or EDS, of Plano, Texas, provides the transaction functions of the service, called Virtual Branch. You have to keep it small and mostly text based. ATM locator Wireless Internet service from TECU allows customers to check balances on checking, savings and investment accounts.
Members can transfer funds between accounts, view account histories and locate cleared checks.
LeAnn Achtenberg, communications director for the Kansas Credit Union Association, says TECU is the only credit union in Wichita and the state to offer wireless banking. Dorphinghaus expects demand for the new service to be brisk. Part of what will fuel that demand is the operation of retail wireless phone stores. TECU has opened its first retail store at its downtown branch at 270 N. Broadway. It will open a second location at the shared credit union it will be operating with Mid American Credit Union and Cessna Employees Credit Union when that facility, near 31st and Meridian, begins operating this spring.