All WaMu branches were rebranded as Chase branches by the end of 2009.

The failed bank's two offices in Stamford reopened on Friday as Chase branches.

Indiana Michigan Power once had a bill-paying office on the first floor, directly across the hallway from the Chase branch.

And at the Chase branch across the street, an underworked clerk said she had handed out just two.

Deposits at Chase branches rose 14 percent in the first quarter.

(Larger deliveries can be made to Chase branches.)

Mr. Brown's favorite experience came at a Chase branch, where he opened a checking account.

"I bank at the Chase branch here, and they are very nice people," Mr. Deen said later.

The branches will be turned into Chase branches starting next spring.

J. P. Morgan, which already has 836 Chase branches in the region, wanted to add more.