Centier joins surcharge-free ATM network

Merrillville-based Centier Bank recently joined the MoneyPass network as an anchor partner, giving its members access to surcharge-free ATMs across the country.

"With the MoneyPass network, you can bank with Centier nationwide, from California to New York," said Michael Schrage, Centier president and CEO.

Launched in September 2003, MoneyPass is designed to extend a banking group's reach without building brick-and-mortar branches or adding ATMs, said Doug Miraglia, president of the surcharge-free network of 22,000 ATMs located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

"For financial institutions, it's more cost-effective and builds customer loyalty," he said.

Miraglia said Centier's relationship with MoneyPass is significant because Centier is Northwest Indiana's largest locally owned bank.

"Centier is an anchor bank leader organization. We anticipate other leader organizations will join MoneyPass as word-of-mouth spreads," he said.

Those who commute to the Chicago metropolitan area now can access their funds at Northern Trust, Associated Bank and U.S. Bank ATM locations, for example, Schrage said.  

Bank clients can identify the nearest participating MoneyPass ATM by downloading a network application. ATM locations are also available by visiting www.moneypass.com .

"Whether you're traveling to Chicago, on vacation, a college student or a snowbird, MoneyPass gives you surcharge-free access to your Centier account when you're away from home," Schrage said. "You don't have to put up with a large mega bank anymore for convenience."

Centier has 45 locations in northern Indiana, business banking centers in Mishawaka and Fort Wayne, and a loan production office in Carmel.

Michigan City-based Horizon Bank also is part of the MoneyPass network.

*Editor's note: This story has been corrected from an earlier version. Centier customers cannot make deposits at ATMs in the MoneyPass network.