Capital Briefs: Bill Introduced for Disclosure of ATM Fees

Rep. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., on Monday introduced legislation requiring disclosure of all fees at automated teller machines and giving customers the option of canceling transactions.

Rep. Schumer's bill was timed to coincide with moves by major ATM networks NYCE, Cirrus, and Plus to allow new surcharges. The three networks are owned by Visa and MasterCard.

"Banks are playing a big April Fools' joke on their customers," said Rep. Schumer. "For the first time, bank customers may have to pay two fees - one to their own bank and one to the owner of the bank machine."

According to a survey released by Rep. Schumer, charges for New York City bank machines can be as high as $1.50 per transaction. Chase customers, who pay the highest fees, could see their average yearly ATM fees rise from $81 to $117, according to the survey.

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