In the mid 1990s, recognizing automated teller machine access fees as a challenging issue in Massachusetts, the Association helped to bring about a change in network rules that allowed for selective surcharging and led to the creation of a new NYCE program designed to offer community banks and consumers a valuable ATM option.  The SUM Program, introduced in 1998, now includes over 300 Massachusetts banks and credit unions offering more than 1,646 surcharge-free ATMs to customers of participating banks who look for the bright yellow SUM logo.  The Northeast portion of the U.S. clearly is the most dominant sector of the program with the next-largest number of ATMs in the South and Midwest.  Nationally, the SUM Program has 488 financial institutions with 2,788 ATMS participating in 23 states and Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

The Association has also produced and distributed over a million brochures and consumer education pamphlets indicating ways that consumers can minimize their electronic banking costs.  This year we celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the SUM Program.

Over the last year, the SUM Program achieved some significant milestones. The SUM Web site was improved with an enhanced ATM locator, and our friend SUM "Buddy" the ATM and "spokestoon" was added to the site. "Buddy" appeared in a late fall ad campaign that featured cable television and outdoor advertising as well as in-branch materials. In addition to increasing brand awareness, we're happy to report that our goal of driving more people to the SUM website was achieved as thousands of individuals entered the SUM "Buddy" Sweepstakes.

For a complete list of participating banks and locations, visit the SUM Web site.