Retailers in Germany no longer want to pay for customers to withdraw cash while shopping. The German Trade Association (HDE) is calling on banks to waive the fees charged for payouts. “The banks are reducing ATMs and branches in many places. Retailers are taking over some of the tasks that customers depend on. That should also be worth something. It is unacceptable that the banks are making money from a service that they do not offer,” he said HDE expert for payment transactions, Ulrich Binnebößel.
When asked, the German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DGSV) rejected the demand and criticism. “The retailers offer this service voluntarily. Many of them even advertise it and present the opportunity to receive cash at the checkout as a special service for their customers,” said a spokesman. “It is neither possible nor desirable for retailers to take over the function of over 51,000 ATMs throughout Germany.” Withdrawing money in the supermarket supplements the cash supply of banks and savings banks, but does not replace it. The DSGV speaks for the German banking industry, the umbrella organization of the major banking associations.