Donegal TD Pearse Doherty has welcomed a move by AIB to delay charges for contactless payments until the Covid-19 outbreak is over.
Earlier this week, the bank had announced plans to charge consumers a ‘tap’ fee of 1c for every payment made with a contactless card.
The charge was due to begin at the end of May 2020, but in light of the current Covid-19 outbreak, the bank has delayed the planned introduction. Contactless payments have been encouraged in recent weeks as a key step to reduce personal interactions and prevent the spread of infection.
Pearse Doherty, who had called on the bank to take action for customers affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, has welcomed the delay, tweeting:
“Welcome news that AIB have decided to suspend unnecessary introduction of stealth charge on contactless payments. Welcome news for customers. Banks must play their part as we face this challenge together.”
Doherty had criticised the bank’s initial announcement of charges, which he said were at “a time of uncertainty for workers and families”.
AIB is set to proceed with plans to bring in other charges for current accounts from 30th May, including a quarterly maintenance fee of €4.50.
Other measures have been put in place to assist mortgage customers affected by the outbreak.
2/ They include:
– Interest only/moratoria period of up to 6 months;
– Interest-only repayments in certain circumstances;
– Credit options and supports for specific needs.AIB customers facing difficulties with mortgage repayments should contact 1890 252 008 or their branch…
— Pearse Doherty (@PearseDoherty) March 13, 2020
