In a distinct break from conventional banking practices, KeyBank has begun cashing government and payroll checks for residents without bank accounts in Central and Northern New York.

The program is being introduced in 35 branches throughout the bank’s Central New York District, specifically in low-to-moderate-income communities, and customers are not required to open a checking or savings account to access the service.

The new service, KeyBank Plus, is designed to meet the needs of the “unbanked,” those without a bank account and the “underbanked,” those who under-utilize bank products or are without access to credit.

KeyBank Plus customers can cash approved payroll or government checks — drawn on any bank — for a fee of 1 percent the value of the check (“most check-cashing operations, typically charge 3-7 percent”). As an additional benefit, up to five money orders are free of charge to customers cashing a check.

KeyBank Plus is now offered in the following Oswego County branch locations:

Fulton — 121 W. First St., Fulton;
Mexico — 3283 Main St., Mexico;
Oswego — 138 State Route 104, Oswego;
Parish — 2976 W. Main St., Parish; and
Pulaski — 4763 Salina St., Pulaski