Armidale based ABS Building Society (ABS) has officially become part of the Greater Building Society following the issuing of a formal certificate by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA).

Greater signage is being installed at the Armidale and Guyra branches this week.

Greater Regional Manager Kevin Buckley said ABS Building Society members will start to enjoy some of the benefits of being part of the Greater from this month.

Mr Buckley said that the Armidale branch will undergo a refurbishment starting early June which will include the installation of an ATM. ABS Building Society did not have an ATM for members.

“ABS Building Society and Greater Building Society customers will have their own ATM in Armidale in addition to enjoying direct fee free access to more than 3500 rediATMs across Australia including five in Armidale and one in Guyra,” Mr Buckley said.

Standard variable home loan customers will start enjoying a 0.10% reduction in their interest rate as of June 1 while investors will have access to a wider range of competitively priced deposit accounts,” he said.

A customer on a $150,000 standard variable loan will enjoy a saving of $10 on their repayments per month.

ABS Building Society members overwhelmingly voted for the merger with the Greater at a meeting on April 20 with 97% approving the merger.

The new Armidale ATM will take the number of Greater ATMs to 96. The Armidale and Guyra branches take the total number of Greater branches to 68 and the number in the New England area to four. Greater is Australia’s Building Society of the Year according to the 2010 Mozo People’s Choice Awards and 2010 AFR Smart Investor Blue Ribbon Awards.

Media enquiries: Craig Eardley on 0437 477 493.