Stuff.co.nz reports that independent ATM operators in New Zealand are taking the country's large banks to task for preventing independent ATM deployments. According to the story filed this week, ANZ National and ASB Bank have barred independents from expanding their ATM networks. The reason: Customers do not want to pay the $1.80 transaction fee charged at non-bank ATMs. Customers at ANZ and ASB can no longer use independent, white-label ATMs.
Independent ATM deployers ATM Plus and NZATM collectively operate about 370 ATMs in New Zealand, namely in areas where banks say it is uneconomic to provide the service. The two ATM companies have launched a campaign calling on ANZ National and ASB customers to demand that they be given access to the independent machines.
Bank of New Zealand, Westpac and Kiwibank continue to allow their customers to use independent ATMs.
ANZ National, which owns National Bank, and ASB together own about 40 percent of all ATM cards in New Zealand.
ATM Plus managing director David Dickinson says independent ATM companies cannot survive or expand without access to all bank customers.
A recent opposition party parliamentary inquiry into banking found there was a lack of competition in the ATM market.
