News

Add a fee or watch an ad? Aussie IAD could let users choose

March 12, 2012

Australia's largest independent ATM provider is considering going fee-free for customers who are willing to watch an ad during their transaction, said a March 12 news story at dailytelegraph.com.au.

Customers ATM, which operates 6000 terminals in the country, says it might follow suit with Free ATMs NYC, which rolled out the concept late last year. To date millions of users have made the choice to go fee free in exchange for watching an ad for up to 30 seconds.

"Time will tell," said corporate affairs manager Rohan Martin. "Whilst the very large advertisers see [ATMs] as an excellent medium, we're mindful that the intrinsic function of the terminal remains. That is convenience, it's about people gaining cash in a safe and secure environment and doing that as quickly and efficiently as possible."

Australian Bankers' Association chief executive officer Steven Munchenberg said he would be surprised if big banks began to show ads from third-party promoters. "Banks already use their ATMs as a form of advertising," he said.

The fee-free concept could be good news for Australian consumers: A March 13 news report, also at the dailytelegraph.com said two companies that control a combined 30 percent of the country's independent ATMs recently raised their fees from $2 to $2.50. That's 11 percent more than the U.S. average and 22 percent more than the British average.

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