Greek bankers have committed themselves to review their extra charges policies on a series of transactions following a meeting with Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on Thursday.
Citing government sources, media report that the prime minister told bankers that the government cannot accept extra charges on digital and other bank transactions, when the same government promotes the use of plastic money and e-transactions.
“You have announced increases, this we cannot accept, it is extremely negative, “the prime minister reportedly said adding that they are not justified.
He called on the bank representatives to recall the charges.
On their part, the bank representatives said that “the aim is to increase the electronic transactions in which the banks have heavily invested.”
They pledged, however, to review the increases, especially charges in areas where there is only one ATM, and to make adjustments where necessary.
Ten days ago, all Greek banks announced to impose charges on services that used to be free of charge until now. The charges on virtually all their services and customers’ transactions are an effort to offset their losses from interest rates taking, which have been in constant decline over the last few years, media report.
After imposing a commission of 2 to 3 euros for each cash withdrawal from ATM by card holders of other banks, the four Greek systemic banks decided to rip off their customers also for simple actions like issue of new PIN, debit card issue or renewal, printed statements at ATMs.
The charges reach up to 5-6 euros for the renewal of a debit card.
Charge details here.
The charges are to go into effect on October 30, 2019.
