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Japan's UFJ Bank adds more ATM fees

December 18, 2002

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TOKYO -- UFJ Bank has begun charging 105 yen (about 87 cents U.S.) per transaction on Saturdays at its ATMs, becoming the first major Japanese bank to implement all-Saturday fees according to a report in the Japan Times.

The bank already charges its customers a fee to use ATMs on Sundays and national holidays. ATM transactions between 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays had been free.

"Since we operate ATMs all year round without a break, we would like our customers to share part of the maintenance cost," a UFJ official said.

In an apparent effort to head off customers' complaints, UFJ has created a new type of bank account that would spare ATM users with higher bank balances the weekend fees.

Cash withdrawals made by non-UFJ customers will now be charged 210 yen (about $1.74 U.S.) per transaction on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

According to the Japan Times, the UFJ move may prompt other major banks to follow suit.

Regional banks were the first to introduce ATM fees on Saturdays. Ashikaga Bank, based in the northern Kanto area, began the practice earlier this year.