People's restricts weekend banking for updates?

By Angela Carter Register Staff

BRIDGEPORT -- Customers of People's United Bank, a subsidiary ofPeople's United Financial Inc., will not have access to online andtelephone banking services through 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Access is being limited while the bank converts to a newinformation technology system, but automatic teller machineavailability will continue all weekend.

Branches normally open today will close at noon, Stop & Shopbranches will be closed Sunday, and all branches are closed Mondayin observance of Presidents Day.

The bank, in written communications to customers, saidenhancements would include easier-to-read activity statements, newdeposit slips, the option to discontinue paper statements and theability to see all accounts "at a glance" and sign up for e-mailalerts for account balances or transaction confirmations.

Some aspects will remain the same after the upgrade is completed,including account numbers, checks, debit and ATM cards, rates andterms of existing certificates of deposits and the bank's customerservice number.

"Much of your online account history will transfer to the newsite -- including 45 days of transaction history, 28 months ofstatements and all of your bill-pay payees," the bank said in astatement.

Those customers who have set categories for transactions, such as"medical" or "groceries" may wish to print those out, as thatinformation will not transfer to the new system.

Any payments or transfers scheduled for today through Monday willbe processed Tuesday, the bank said.

Once Internet access resumes Tuesday, customers must register anew password and update personal security questions. The Web sitewill prompt users through the process and a demonstration video isavailable upon login at www.peoples.com.

The telephone banking system will ask for a temporary customeraccess code, the details of which are being provided to existingcustomers by standard mail.

In September 2005, People's redesigned the bank's Web site toprovide easier access to accounts and add online bill-pay features,new content areas for small businesses and commercial customers anda "Careers" area on job opportunities at the bank.

Those with questions about the system conversion may call 800-867-5295 or visit www.peoples.com/upgrade.

Contact Angela Carter at 203-789-5752 oracarter@newhavenregister.com.