Thursday, November 11, 1999

Bankers striking back: No ATM fee, no service

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BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG
The Associated Press

        SAN FRANCISCO — Two big banks hit back Wednesday at two California communities that have banned ATM surcharges, saying their cash machines in those cities would serve only their own account holders.

        Bank of America and Wells Fargo & Co. said they are cutting off access to non-account holders in Santa Monica, where a ban on the ATM fees will take effect today.

        Bank of America also said it will issue similar restrictions in San Francisco if it fails to overturn a voter-approved city ordinance banning the fees.

        “No business should be ex pected to provide free service to noncustomers,” said Gene Taylor, president of Bank of America's Western region.

        Consumer advocates in the Tristate have been closely watching the ATM issue, saying the California bans could spur similar efforts in cities such as Cincinnati, Louisville and Indianapolis because many consumers oppose the fees.

        San Francisco's ban of the surcharges is scheduled to take effect in December but has been challenged by banks.

        A dozen other communities are considering bans, including Los Angeles and San Diego. Connecticut and Iowa have used existing laws to ban the surcharges.

       

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