Cash machine fee confusion

Monday, January 30, 2006

A worrying number of people are confused over the fee charging associated with some on the nation's cash machines, according to a consumer watchdog.

The revelation by Which? showed that approximately half of customers surveyed were unsure whether or not using cashpoints from the big four banks – Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds TSB and HBOS – would cost them a fee.

"Which? has long called for machines to be labelled with red (for charging) or green (for free) signs so you can see upfront whether you'll be charged," said Emma Bandey, senior public affairs officer for Which?

"Consumers deserve to know when faced with a cashpoint whether it is free to use or whether there will be a charge. Why should we be faced with uncertainty when there is the simple low cost solution of labelling?"

For each of the big four banks, 47 per cent or more of respondents did not know whether they would be charged a fee when using the cash machine.

However, 95 per cent of those asked said that they believed that all cash machines should be free to use, with the same number believing it should be made obvious whether the service is free before the card is put in.

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