Staff protested high ATM fees in Crete; government capped charges, but critics cite rising bank profits and limited access.
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Staff at a general hospital in Heraklion, Crete, protested being charged 2.5 euros for ATM withdrawals after the hospital’s ATM, previously part of a Piraeus Bank branch, was replaced by a Cashflex machine. This prompted the government to cap charges from third-party ATM providers and eliminate fees when using another bank’s ATM. Critics, however, argue the government’s action is insufficient, pointing out that banks derive a significant portion of their profits from various service charges, such as account management and loan assessments. Despite a reduction in bank branches, the number of ATMs has increased, with many not attached to physical branches. Consumer groups argue that this trend makes banking difficult for vulnerable populations, like the elderly or those in remote areas, who are charged for transactions without adequate access to electronic services. Opposition parties criticize the government for implementing only partial solutions while failing to address the core issues of excessive fees and limited physical banking access.
