Bank charge of 3%
Except for leading supermarkets and other big companies, other sales outlets which are authorised to accept debit/ credit payments, levy a bank charge of 3 per cent on the net value of the goods purchased if one uses either the debit card or the credit card. I think it is somewhat reasonable to levy a bank charge for a credit card but not so for a debit card.
In order to avoid paying the bank charges, customers first go to the ATM and withdraw the amount of money required for the transaction to settle the merchant. Therefore while the customers are not only inconvenienced, the advantages and benefits of using the card are also nullified.
Therefore, I suggest that the banks withdraw the bank charges for both the debit and credit cards with immediate effect or at least withdraw this 3 per cent charge for the debit card holders only. Hope, the bank will favourably consider the above request not to levy the bank charge.
Mohamed Zahran
Colombo 14