Is it just me, or are the remote ATM charges spinning even further out of control?
Last one I saw was $3.50, not counting what my own bank would charge me. Since we’ve allowed the definition of usury to be inflated beyond any practical use, technically it’s even legal.
The worst part is when they ask you if it’s all right to charge you. Often people needing cash don’t have the option of saying “no” at that point– they’ve bought groceries, or perhaps found themselves short of cash after a purchase or hotel stay, and their native ATM isn’t accessible.
But why do they only give you two options? You know some bean-counter is taking this to senior management to justify the fees. “See, boss, 99% of the people approve of the fee!”
I think that if the menu option read like this:
Leech America Bank will deduct a $3.50 service charge from your account. This is in addition to any fees your institution may charge you. Do you agree?
- Yes, proceed. I understand that a $3.50 service charge will be deducted from my account.
- No, cancel my transaction.
- Hell no. Give me my money, you bloodsucking vultures, and stuff your “service charge” into any orifice that causes you pain.
there would be a much more accurate accounting of how people really feel about it.