Even Check Balance At ATMs Will Be Charged: When Banks Exploit Us

Photo illustration (Source: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Balance check transactions, cash withdrawals and transfers using state-owned bank debit cards namely PT Bank Mandiri Tbk, PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk (BRI), PT Bank Negara Indonesia Tbk (BNI), and PT Bank Tabungan Negara Tbk (BTN), at Link's self-service cash machines (ATMs) will be charged starting June 1, 2021.

The fees pegged by the four banks are the same, for balance check transactions of Rp2,500 and cash withdrawals of Rp5,000 at different Himbara ATM machines and ATM Link, from the original Rp0 or free.

Chairman of the Daily Board of YLKI Tulus Abadi criticized the policy plan. According to Tulus, the balance check transaction that is charged will make the consumer's money, because the savings balance is getting worse.

"Then what's the point of keeping money in the bank? It's better to just stay in bed. Therefore, this discourse must be rejected because it is an exploitative policy," he said in a written statement, quoted Sunday, May 23.

Tulus also assessed the bank's reasoning that the change in rates is for the convenience of customers. According to him, It's a unilateral claim, on behalf of consumers.

"What comfort? Emang there is a survey related to this? Strange magic bin. The claims are paradoxical," he said.

According to Tulus, banks make admin fees the main income, and this is unfair. Because, if observed, the life of the bank only relies on admin fees from customers.

"Let's take a look, every customer per month is minimally deducted Rp14,000. So long ago the customer's money was consumed by administrative costs. Is this what you want to profit or want to end up with?" he said.

For the convenience of customers?

Corporate Secretary of BRI Aestika Oryza Gunarto said the implementation of this tariff in order to support the convenience of customers transacting then every transaction checks the balance and cash withdrawal of BRI card at ATM Bank Himbara (BNI, Mandiri and BTN) or ATM with ATM LINK display will be charged.

Furthermore, Aestika said the fee change was a state-owned bank agreement (Himbara). The changes are effective from June 1, 2021 and will be valid until a later date.

"In addition to transacting at ATM Himbara (BNI, Mandiri, BTN) or ATM Link, BRI customers can also still transact through 16,558 BRI ATM machines and 5,707 BRI CRM machines spread throughout Indonesia without any change in fees," he said, in an official statement, Friday, May 21.

In addition, said Aestika, for easier and safer transactions BRI encourages customers to be able to transact cashlessly and conduct various kinds of banking transactions digitally.

"In addition to being able to use BRI internet banking, one of bri digital banking services that can be used is the BRImo application," he said.

Lower rates than others

Corporate Secretary of BNI Mucharom said the reason Bank Himbara agreed to make adjustments to transaction fees at ATM Link Himbara is to build a sustainable business. Therefore, there needs to be adjustment of cash withdrawal transaction fees and balance checks.

"The cost adjustment is certainly still lower when compared to transaction costs other than through ATM Link," he told reporters, Friday, May 21.

Transaction fee adjustment is a form of Himbara's commitment to continuously improve inclusive banking services, improve security and convenience at an affordable cost for the community. In addition, said Mucharom, Himbara also supports the National Non-Cash Movement (GNNT) program.

"Where the adjustment of transaction costs is to reduce people's dependence on the use of cash," he said.

BNI, according to Mucharom, also continues to innovate digital services for customers. One of them is for cash withdrawal without card at ATM using Mobile Tunai feature available in BNI Mobile Banking.

"So for cash withdrawal for yourself and others easier without the need to bring a debit card," he said.

Furthermore, Mucharom said BNI customers can also still take advantage of BNI E-Channel services such as BNI Mobile Banking, BNI Internet Banking, BNI SMS Banking, and BNI ATMs. "There is no change in cost for BNI E-Channel. If you experience any problems, please call 1500046," he said.

*Read more information about FINANCE or read other interesting writings from Mery Handayani.

Other BERNAS