How Nutmeg is Helping the Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As you know, the state is beginning to reopen as restrictions to public areas are slowly lifted. I want to take some time today to update everyone about all the ways we are helping the community and all the ways you can bank safely during this time.
When you are shopping or visiting a restaurant, it is best to pay using contactless payments. With Mobile Pay (including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay), you can make in-person transactions without sharing your card with anyone or touching any payment keypads. This is very important because it allows you to securely and safely conduct transactions while limiting the amount of physical contact. Read all about your contactless payment options here. We have seen a surge in usage for these services, so I know you are all listening! If you have not already added your cards to your mobile wallet, please do so today so you are ready when the time comes.
In addition to making your transaction payments safely, be sure to continue managing your Nutmeg accounts through our self-service options as much as possible. As always, the safest and most convenient way to bank is online or from your mobile device. Our branch locations also provide safe banking options. The Drive-Thru, ATM and Night Depository services allow you to bank with minimal person-to-person contact. In-person branch visits are available for you as well and we have returned to normal business hours. In order to maintain reduced traffic, we will continue requiring branch appointments for now at all locations.
All our facilities are regularly cleaned and disinfected for the protection of you and our staff. Branch employees have masks and gloves as an added precaution when interacting with visitors. We have also installed plexi-glass in many of our locations to provide for additional protection. Our lobbies have floor stickers and other signage to help remind people about social distancing. We are committed to keeping your branch visits easy and convenient while maintaining everyone’s health and safety.
As always, we are also focused on protecting your finances and personal information. Please be vigilant for online and phone scams related to stimulus payments or unemployment. The Federal Trade Commission has already released detailed information about COVID scam protection and we will communicate any new information to keep you informed. Please be sure to read all about this new scam and how you can stay protected from fraud.
In addition to protecting all our members while they bank, we are continuing to support businesses throughout the state during this time. In my last blog post, you can read about how we have helped local businesses with Paycheck Protection Program loans. We have worked with over 200 businesses who have used these funds to pay for employee expenses during the shutdown. These funds are critical to helping these businesses survive. We are also offering ongoing educational webinars to help businesses understand the complex application and loan forgiveness process.
Another way we are working to support businesses is by helping them build their own custom, branded technology. Through the work of our subsidiary technology firm DaLand CUSO, we will begin offering businesses their own customer-facing mobile app! The way many businesses operate is changing. The ability to offer more electronic services will be essential for businesses who now rely heavily on technology to support their customer interactions. Many businesses are now offering delivery or curb-side pickup or require appointments in advance. Additionally, businesses now need to accept contactless payments. We will be able to provide businesses these services and more through a customized suite of products. These services are still being developed, but if you are a business that could benefit from this upcoming service, please contact our business service team today.
I strongly encourage all my readers to take advantage of the many self-service options and new technology that is available. As the state reopens and people return to a new normal, you may find that the way you interact in the marketplace has evolved. Nutmeg is here to support you in this time and help you make payments and manage all your accounts safely and soundly. This is a challenging time, but know that the dedicated team at Nutmeg is here for you and will continue to be available to help with all your banking needs.
Sincerely,
John Holt
President & CEO