STRATEGIC PARTNERS
February 6, 2002
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A consumer group has taken on the fight against ATM fees, proposing that the Illinois state legislature consider a ban on some fees charged by banks for the use of ATMs.
The Coalition for Consumer Rights held news conferences in Springfield and Chicago to announce results of a report which showed some consumers pay as much as $4.50 per transaction in fees. The group cited statistics showing fee increases over a five-year period.
The Illinois Bankers Association said the fees are necessary to cover the costs of owning and operating ATMs, considered a convenience for most consumers.
The consumer group, along with state Rep. John Fritchey, chairman of the state's House Consumer Protection Committee, has asked state lawmakers to consider legislation to stop or slow the increase in ATM fees.
