Anger at bank’s cashless move

Docklands’ Bendigo Bank branch has stopped handling cash, much to the chagrin of some customers.

Docklands News has been contacted by long-term residents who say they use cheques, and cash and don’t want to use electronic funds or ATMs.

They say they have been told to change banks if they can’t do without cash.

“To have to change banks is a nuisance – to go through it all at Centrelink,” they wrote. “All these ads on TV about customer service! My husband has had a cheque account for 20 years and does not want an ATM card.”

“As he is seriously ill, it is an inconvenience to have to go to South Melbourne or the city. I retired at the end of August and don’t feel like putting my super pay out.”

“The banks use customers’ funds but don’t want to give service in return. This is going to affect many people. There are many retirees in Docklands. What about the businesses?”

The Bendigo Bank declined to respond to Docklands News’s request for comment.

In a letter to customers, the bank said: “We are confident these changes will deliver a more streamline experience for our customers and improve the efficiency of how we provide our services.”

It said it would no longer handle: cash withdrawals; cash deposits; coin changes and foreign currency collection.