ATM charges return after Covid

THE Banking Association of South Africa (Basa) has announced that charges for using automatic teller machines (ATMs) not operated by a customer’s bank, have been reinstated.

Charges were reinstated on Friday, 1 October.

Yevai Chanyau of Brunswick South Africa said since the July unrest, South African social security grants and the availability of cash continued without interruption despite the extensive damage to banking infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng.

‘To assist social grant recipients and those who live in areas where ATMs and branches had been destroyed, bank customers have since 1 August been able to use any ATM, including those not operated by their bank, without incurring additional charges.

'However, banks have to recover the operating costs of the ATM network to ensure they can be sustained and maintained. Subsequently, as from last Friday, charges have been reinstated,' said Chanyau.

‘Every month 12.5 million beneficiaries receive grants worth more than R15-billion using banking infrastructure. Banks, together with other stakeholders, are also working with Sassa to assist with the reintroduction of the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant.

'Sassa is encouraging its beneficiaries to open bank accounts so they can receive their grants directly. Many banks have products appropriate for grant beneficiaries.

‘After further review of the damage to banking infrastructure since the unrest, it is estimated that 1 976 ATMs and 332 bank branches were vandalised or damaged, along with retail outlets, post offices, and other cash distribution points.

'The recovery of the damaged banking and cash distribution infrastructure is ongoing. ‘Banks remain committed to ensuring their customers have reasonable access to appropriate and affordable bank services,’ Chanyau said.