It was sad to read that the Gosford branch of the NAB is closing (CCN 396), as I used to use them until my own bank’s debit card facility was acquired by another whose nearest branches are in Parramatta and Chatswood.
It’s also ironic that this story was located just under the one celebrating Bendigo Bank – a community bank as opposed to one of the Big Four – celebrating 25 years of service.
Now, it is well known that the use of cash is declining, but many retailers either do not accept plastic under a certain amount or impose a surcharge, so it’s wise to carry some cash around.
This brings us to the next problem, viz: sourcing the said readies.
I have already written about the usurious private ATMs located in Wyoming Shopping Centre and perhaps elsewhere, which charge you $2.50 for the privilege of using their network even to check your balance.
Well, this “service fee” is now $2.90; shysters will never miss an opportunity to make a buck.
Speaking of cash, a little bird tells me that the humble five cent coin will be phased out soon, so if you have a jarful of echidnas then it might be time to take it to a bank (if you can find one, that is); of course, at this rate there may soon be a charge to run them through the counting machine!
Ain’t capitalism grand?
Email, Jul 4
Dave Horsfall, North Gosford