Opinion

Concern over rising ATM charges

While there has been concern about the increasingly common policy of charging customers £1 to use cash machines which previously offered free withdrawals, it could be argued that market forces are at work in some districts.

However, our report yesterday that the fee has suddenly risen to £1.75 and even £1.85 in parts of Belfast city centre will be widely regarded as exposing a blatant example of profiteering.

The ATMs are in areas where they are likely to be used by tourists who may not realise that cheaper options are available elsewhere as well as other members of the public facing time pressures.

Retail NI’s complaints about the development are fully justified and it should be generally agreed that attempting to push any tariff beyond the £1 mark is unacceptable.