LOCALS are having to take their banking online as several Redlands branches close and ATMs are ripped out of shopping centres across the city.
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St George, Suncorp, ANZ and Westpac have all shut down Redlands branches in the past five years, sparking customer backlash.
Commonwealth Bank is among the latest to make changes in the Redlands, with an ATM at Capalaba removed in December 2020 and another machine at Alexandra Hills changing hands in November last year.
- Also read: Victoria Point NAB branch prepares to close
- Also read: Suncorp's Cleveland branch to close its doors
- Also read: ANZ branch to close
Capalaba MP Don Brown said it was an example of banks putting profits before people.
"It is getting harder for our elderly to get their hands on cash without being charged ridiculous fees," he said.
A Commonwealth Bank spokeswoman said the company had the largest fee-free ATM network in Australia, with more than 2300 machines available across the country.
The banking giant still has ATMs available locally at Victoria Point, Cleveland and Capalaba Central Shopping Centre, as well as at nearby Loganholme, Springwood and Beenleigh.
"There are a number of fee-free options for our customers to access cash at any of the over 5000 major bank ATMs, and eftpos via participating supermarkets," the spokeswoman said.
"Customers can also make withdrawals and balance enquiries through Bank@Post at participating Australia Post outlets including Capalaba, Redland Bay and Alexandra Hills."
Redlands boasts 28 aged care facilities and has more than 25,000 people aged over 65, many of whom are unable to use the internet and rely only on brick-and-mortar transactions.
Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson said it was unacceptable for banks to provide anything less than a full range of services.
"It is dissapointing to say the least when banks reduce their services in the Redlands Coast," he said.
"I would encourage locals to take note of which banks cut and run, and reward them accordingly for their lack of loyalty."
A Commonwealth Bank spokeswoman said ATM withdrawal volumes decreased every year as customers went digital, and the company made changes to reflect trends.
"We are committed to ensuring cash access options continue to be available to communities across Australia," she said.
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