Card Briefs: ATM Anti-Surcharge Group Grows in Calif.

The No Surcharge Alliance in California has grown to more than 100 banks, 300 credit unions, and 2,600 automated teller machines, said Robert Rose, president and chief executive officer of Credit Union Cooperative Systems Inc.

In February, a charter group, consisting of the credit union cooperative and six banks, headed by Union Bank of California, announced the No Surcharge Alliance in response to decisions by BankAmerica Corp. and Wells Fargo & Co. to charge noncustomers $1.50 to use their ATM networks. Credit unions, banks, and thrifts have continued to join the alliance.

Recently the Independent Bankers Association of California, which represents more than 200 small financial institutions, endorsed the alliance. So did Scripps Bank, an independent commercial bank in La Jolla.

"The alliance will continue to grow as large regional banks attempt to gain market share by surcharging the consumer," said Mr. Rose. "The alliance provides a good option for consumers and particularly credit union members."

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