🚀 go-pugleaf

Alan Grossberg <snowbird@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
>For the past several years, most banks have done everything in their power to 
>discourage the average customer from using their tellers (most of whom are 
>newly-trained morons whom I'd rather NOT see anyway.....the feeling is more 
>than mutual). Now they have the nerve to raise their ATM fees substantially 
>and blame it on rising costs. There have also been reports that some banks 
>are studying/considering the feasibility of charging customers for using a 
>teller. What the hell do they want us to do.....keep the $$$ under a 
>mattress?
>BTW.....ATM's are basically the financial self-service equivalent of 
>self-service gas stations. Last I checked, gas prices at self-service pumps 
>were cheaper than full-service. Bottom line: the banks are PIGS.

Without vigorously disputing your conclusion, I would point out that I am 
unaware of any bank that charges its customers for the use of its own ATM 
machines. If you have found one, you should head for the exit with your 
money. My bank does not charge for any ATM use at other banks until the 
usage becomes excessive (I think 10/mo). This seems reasonable since the 
bank itself is paying the other bank for providing the service. Also, when 
you use another bank's ATM, it is as if you had access to any banks's 
teller 24 hrs a day, which is a service you could reasonably be 
expected to pay for IMHO. Finally, your analogy to self service gas is 
apt, however you defeat your own argument. Some banks (I'm sure there will 
be more) are charging for full service, i.e. tellers, when a teller is not 
needed. Isn't that what the gas stations do? They don't give discounts for 
self service, they charge more for full service. 

Regards, Les (Washington DC)