Consumerist
US PIRG says they've obtained legitimate documentation that says Bank of America will be raising their ATM surcharges for non-customers to $3 at most locations. The change will take place on July 31st.
From US PIRG:
Surcharges are the double-dipping fees imposed on non-customers and will be raised at BofA ATMs attached to their branches and in in-store locations (but not those in malls or airports). In Illinois (but not Chicago, where fees will not increase), New York, Nevada, New Mexico, and Massachusetts, they'll wait a month until August 31st. Chicago must be a new or important market for them, I guess.Yes, Chicago is both a new and important market for BoA as they take over LaSalle Bank and become Chicago's largest bank.
US PIRG has some quotes from the paperwork they obtained:
In their talking points to "market presidents," BofA flacks advise:If you're not a customer of Bank of America, feel free to avoid using their ATMs.Bank of America may be an industry leader in raising the fee to $3 and most likely will draw attention from the press, state legislators, consumer advocates and Congress given the size of our network.
Duh.
And in a set of FAQs, check out this corporate double-speak answer:
Does it cost any more for you to process transactions for non-customers? The bank continues to make significant investments in its ATM network and we continue to grow the network for the convenience of our customers.
Bank of America to increase ATM surcharge to $3 [US PIRG]
(Photo:epicharmus)
