Continuing an expansion of business hours in Central Florida, Bank of America said Wednesday that it will open Saturdays at nine locations in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
The move is part of a national trend of improving customer service, an area that lost ground in the 1990s as banks steered customers toward ATMs, the phone and the Internet.
Starting June 21, the North Suncoast branches will be open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Customers can open an account, apply for a loan or open a safe deposit box.
The locations are:
450 SE U.S. 19, Crystal River
2875 East Gulf to Lake Highway, Inverness
4526 U.S. 19, New Port Richey
5242 Little Road, New Port Richey
8338 Embassy Blvd., Port Richey
7419 State Road 52, Bayonet Point
22850 State Road 54, Lutz
11050 Spring Hill River, Spring Hill
9223 Cortez Blvd., Weeki Wachee
Bank of America began a national expansion of hours earlier this year, saying customer surveys indicated interest in a sixth day of business.
"We understand the busy lifestyles and time constraints that our customers experience during the week," said Weymon Snuggs, North Florida Consumer Banking executive.
Bank of America said it is considering opening additional locations on Saturdays.
The bank, Florida's largest, has more than 25 branches and 35 ATMs in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
A survey of Pasco banks listed in the telephone book found no others with Saturday hours. Wachovia Corp., the No. 2 bank in Florida, added Saturday hours at its home base in the Carolinas and is considering expanding the move elsewhere.
