METHODOLOGY

This report presents the results of a statewide survey of current surcharging practices at ATMs. During the months of January, February and March 2000, NYPIRG field study participants surveyed 366 ATMs in New York State to determine:

1. whether surcharges were assessed,
2. the amount of any surcharges, and
3. whether, how and when in a given transaction, the amount of the surcharge was disclosed to consumers.

In March 1997, 1998 and 1999, as part of reports entitled Charging Consumers Twice (released on April 2, 1997 - one year after the ban ended), Surcharges Rising (released on April 1, 1998 - two years after the ban ended), and Crying All the Way from the ATM (released on April 1, 1999), NYPIRG field study participants surveyed 144 ATMs in 1997, 200 ATMs in 1998 and 189 ATMs in 1999 in New York State. Using a survey questionnaire form similar to the one used this year, surveyors also determined:

1. whether surcharges were assessed,
2. the amount of any surcharges, and
3. whether, how and when in a given transaction, the amount of the surcharge was disclosed to consumers.

Attachments

• ATM Survey Form: The form used by the field study participants to survey ATMs.
• Result Grids - ATM Surcharges in New York:: A comparison of the surcharge amounts and methods of disclosure of 366 ATMs surveyed statewide. ATM owners are listed no more than twice (once for an ATM located on bank premises and once for an ATM located off bank premises - malls, grocery stores, drug stores, etc.) in each different city, town, borough, etc. surveyed (unless surveyors identified different surcharging practices at ATMs with the same owner in the same town, city, borough, etc.).
• Status of ATM Surcharge Bans Grid: A grid that shows the regulations, laws and ordinances proposed by cities, states and Congress that would ban ATM surcharges.

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