Savings Account passbooks became history yesterday when the Bank of Butterfield ended the practice of having customers come into their branch to update account transactions and ascertain balances.

A bank spokesperson said: ?Passbook style accounts do not allow customers to take advantage of the simplicity and convenience of the modern banking environment.?

As of yesterday, Passbook Savings Account customers will now be mailed quarterly statements on a scheduled basis rather than have to go to the bank to update their accounts.

The bank has written all passbook holders and placed adverts to ensure that everyone is aware of the change. Customers will receive their first quarterly statement in May which will reflect all transactions between February-April. Future statements will be issued on April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31.

A bank spokesperson said that customers who require a transaction update or balance information prior to receiving a statement may now perform that inquiry at their branch or through an ATM or they may call Telephone Banking or use the Internet with Butterfield Direct.