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Bank of Ireland ATM policy peeves consumer groups

The bank unleashed a torrent of criticism when it introduced new rules that required customers to use ATMs rather than teller windows.

November 5, 2015

This week the Bank of Ireland announced a new policy intended to shift simple transactions to the ATM. However, no sooner had Bank of Ireland introduced its new cash deposit policy than it learned that a rethink would be required.

Earlier this week the bank announced that it was banning teller window withdrawals of less than 500 pounds ($760) and deposits of less than 2,130 pounds ($3240). All smaller transactions would have to be conducted at an ATM, the bank said.

The new rules immediately unleashed a torrent of criticism from consumer groups representing senior citizens, according to a report by BBC. The groups pointed out that many elderly people did not have an ATM card or know how to use an ATM.

Just as immediately, the bank revised the policy and released a new announcement:

Bank of Ireland would like to confirm that vulnerable customers, together with those elderly customers who are not comfortable using self-service channels or other technology solutions, will be assisted by branch staff to use the available in-branch services.