Embassy Banks Saucon Valley branch is located at Rt. 378 and Colesville Road in Lower Saucon Township. The branch is one of five out of nine that will remain open during the coronavirus pandemic, the company said Thursday. (FILE PHOTO)
In times of turmoil one thing that can provide peace of mind is knowing one’s money is safe, which is why area banks are doing their best to let customers know they are in good hands financially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
All of the banks that serve Saucon Valley customers remain open for business, however all of them have closed their lobbies in order to help promote the social distancing public health and safety officials continue to recommend to help slow the spread of the virus.
Some banks such as Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley have also reduced their hours and closed branches to help reduce contact between individuals at this time.
Embassy announced Thursday that effective Monday, March 30, some of its branches will close, and those that will remain open–including its branch on Rt. 378 in Lower Saucon Township–will have reduced hours.
Branches that remain open will be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We very strongly encourage you to utilize our online and mobile banking solutions for self-service on your existing accounts, to make deposits, and to open new personal deposit accounts,” said Embassy president and CEO Dave M. Lobach Jr. in the email.
At Embassy branches, as at other local banks, the only ways to conduct business now–other than online–are at the drive-thru and by appointment for essential purposes only.
The BB&T now Truist branch at 741 Main Street is one of two bank branches in the borough of Hellertown. (FILE PHOTO)
BB&T, which is now being rebranded as Truist as the result of a merger, began to limit in-branch visits March 21. The bank said in a post on its Facebook page that it is “here to help our clients through drive-thru banking (at most branches), ATMs, mobile and online services, and at 800-BANK-BBT. In-branch consultations will also be available by appointment–please call your local branch for more information.”
BB&T has a branch at 741 Main Street in downtown Hellertown, where the drive-thru is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, according to the hours listed on the bank’s website.
The BB&T branch inside the Coopersburg Giant store was originally scheduled to close in June, however the branch is already closed according to a list of closings published on the BB&T website.
According to updated information on the Wells Fargo website, the drive-thru at its Hellertown branch is now open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The lobby is open by appointment only til further notice.
The Wells Fargo branch at the Promenade Shops at Center Valley is temporarily closed, as is the shopping center, with the exception of Fresh Market and some restaurants that are offering takeout and curbside pickup of food.
Fulton Bank in the Saucon Square shopping center on Rt. 378 in Lower Saucon Township is encouraging customers to use mobile banking when possible, and according to an announcement published on its website the bank has increased mobile deposit limits to make remote banking easier.
The Saucon Valley branch is now open for drive-thru banking or by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Customers can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-FULTON-4 (1-800-385-8664).
“We recommend that you fully utilize all of Fulton’s tools that enable you to bank remotely, without needing to visit a financial center,” the company said in a statement. “This will help minimize human contact and reduce the chances of passing the virus.”
Have your banking habits changed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak? Tell us in a comment.
