JEDDAH — Local banks which until recently used to issue and renew ATM cards free of charge have started charging their clients between SR75 to SR100 for the privilege. Unfortunately the charge contravenes the instructions given by the Saudi Banks Media and Banking Awareness Committee which prohibits local banks from charging the issuance and renewal of the ATM cards, a local daily reported.

Fahd Al-Fayed said a local bank charged him SR100 for the renewal of his ATM card even though the ATM chewed up his card. Similarly Muram Muhammad, a female university student had to pay SR75 for the renewal of her ATM card. When she contacted her bank to clarify the matter she was told the charge covered the banks mailing fees!

Mariam, a PR employee in one of the banks, has confirmed that the banks charge their clients for the issuance and renewal of the ATM cards. Commenting on this Talat Hafez, Secretary General of the Media and Awareness Committee in Saudi Banks made it clear that banks must not charge their customers for the issuance and renewal of the ATM cards. However, he added that the banks were at liberty to charge customers who repeatedly lose their cards. — SG