Rochester Area First Niagara Banks Prepare for KeyBank Tran­sition

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Some major changes are coming for customers of Rochester-area First Niagara bank branches this weekend.

Beginning at the end of the business day on Friday, local First Niagara Bank branches will close and reopen Tuesday morning after Columbus Day as KeyBank branches.

It will signify the completion of the $4.1 billion KeyCorp purchase of First Niagara. 

Bank officials say steps have been taken to insure a seamless transition.

"First Niagara clients will be able to use their same ATM cards, debit cards, credit cards and checks," said Jim Barger, Rochester office KeyBank market president "Their account numbers will not change, their PIN numbers will not change. During the weekend, they can use any First Niagara or KeyBank ATM to take cash out, just like they normally would." 

There will be additional staff at the branches and call center to help with the transition.