For new customers who open a Choice ATM Checking account, Bank of the West will waive its standard fee for using another bank’s ATM to withdraw cash and also refund surcharges assessed by other financial institutions for one full year. The product is currently available in California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Andy Harmening, senior executive vice president and head of the regional banking group at Bank of the West, said: “Choice ATM Checking is an invitation for new customers to come to Bank of the West and experience our excellent service and relationship-banking approach, while enjoying convenient access to cash at any ATM.

“Bank of the West has always focused on superior service that responds to our customers’ needs, so it is no coincidence that we are waiving ATM fees at a time when consumers are looking to reduce expenses.”

Bank of the West, with $64bn assets and more than 700 branch locations and commercial banking offices in 19 Western and Midwestern states, offers a full range of business, corporate, personal, trust and international banking services.

Bank of the West’s holding company, BancWest Corporation, is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas.