(April 18 – 12:40 ET) – Canadian Internet portal Sympatico-Lycos is introducing Amicus Financial — an electronic banking service featuring access to more than 4,000 bank machines across Canada.

Sympatico-Amicus Financial offers a suite of no fee daily banking products including a chequing account, a savings account and a GIC. It is also offering a low-interest personal line of credit.

Through this new service, Amicus Financial customers will be able to deposit and withdraw funds, make purchases using the Interac Direct Payment system, pay bills, write cheques, transfer funds and view transaction history. Customers will also have easy access to their money through CIBC’s ABM network. Customer service staff at the Amicus Financial call centre will provide customers with personalized service.

“This is a great opportunity for us to continue delivering incredible experiences to our users,” said Marc Tellier, president and CEO of Sympatico-Lycos. “As a true electronic banking offer, Amicus Financial will provide Sympatico-Lycos users with numerous ways to save and grow their money.”

“Amicus Financial is not just another online bank – it is a complete electronic financial services offer through Sympatico,” said Brian Cassidy, chief executive officer of Amicus.

“Amicus Financial customers do not need to hold an account with another bank to complete transactions and access their money, and they can use more than 4,000 CIBC bank machines across Canada,” continued Cassidy

The Web site (www.sympatico.ca/amicusfinancial) features an online account application process. It also offers a number of personal financial planning tools, interest rate information, and a national ABM locator. More financial products and services will be introduced in the coming year.