Athens FB&T to take on Synovus name, beginning next month

Athens First Bank & Trust will take on the name of Synovus, beginning next month. The bank was acquired by Synovus in 1991 and its name has appeared on official Athens FB&T paperwork since then. However, according to officials the local branches – one in Monroe and one in Loganville – will be joining 27 other divisions across the Southeast in now taking on the Synovus name.

“By becoming one Synovus, we’re continuing to invest in your banking experience and making it even easier to access our full suite of financial solutions, tools and advice whenever and wherever you to to bank with us,” AFBT and Synovus wrote to customers. “We’ve been part of the Synovus family for many years. The name probably sounds familiar because it already appears on things like our ATMs, debit cards and Business Internet Banking. Starting in 2018, you’ll see a new sign on our branches too.”

In the meantime, some changes will begin for customers with the first signs evident next month after updates to the system the weekend of July 22 – 23. The Business Banking Center will be unavailable from 10 p.m. on July 22 to 5 p.m. on July 23 for routine maintenance. Following that, account history should be intact and scheduled activities, such as payments and transfers, should take place as normal. The branch locations, however, will be closed on Saturday, July 22, and will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, July 24. Customer Care, however, will have extended hours over the weekend to assist with questions and telephone banking and ATMs will be available.

Here is what customers can expect:

• After July 24, statements will feature the Synovus logo – two statements may be sent out in the month of July.
• All Synovus bank divisions will use one routing number. New checks after July 24 will contain the new routing number, but existing checks will continue to process correctly until used up.

Athens FB&T has a main branch office in Monroe at 140 E. Washington St. in downtown Monroe and another branch at 4577 Atlanta Highway in Loganville.