We often playfully joke about banks having complete control over our hard-earned cash, but the idea of them actually denying us access to our own funds? Unthinkable, right? Well, brace yourself for a real-life nightmare experienced by a woman from Brisbane.

Meet Taryn Compton, a Brisbane resident who found herself caught in the middle of a home renovation project and in need of a hefty sum of $3500.

Remember the good old days when you could stroll into a bank branch, flash your trusty ID to the friendly bank teller, and walk out with your own money, no questions asked? Ah, those were simpler times indeed, free from the technological fuss and hassle.

But alas, it seems like those simpler times are slipping away faster than we realise. Society is hurtling forward, embracing a cashless future, taking leap after leap away from the days of tangible currency.

The customer couldn't understand why she could not access her own money. Credit: Shutterstock.

Taryn encountered a little hiccup when she realised she had forgotten to bring her ATM card along—a common mistake in this era of overwhelming digitalisation that has almost overshadowed physical banking tools. So, she had to resort to making her withdrawal in person at the bank branch.

Back in the good old days, this wouldn't have been such a big deal. But to her surprise, when Taryn approached the teller, she was informed that their branch was completely cashless. Yes, you read that correctly—a bank branch without any cash!

'She told me they don't have cash at the bank to give people anymore,' Taryn recalled her experience on The Today Show.

Eager to assist, the teller graciously walked Taryn through the process of installing a cashless app on her phone instead, which would allow her to withdraw money from the ATM conveniently located outside the bank. However, despite their best efforts, the app, unfortunately, failed to cooperate.

As a result, Taryn found herself in quite a predicament, stranded without access to the funds she desperately needed.

Taryn mentioned that the entire situation left her pondering Australia's banking system as a whole. After all, if you can't even get hold of your own money, it raises some serious doubts, doesn't it?

'The teller told me that if I wanted to get my cash out if I needed it that day, to transfer it to another bank and try somewhere else, so that's what I did,' she expressed. 'If you can't get your own money from a branch, what's the point of a bank?'

This incident might seem like a one-off, but it's a sign that our banking system is rapidly moving towards a digital, cashless future.

Today reached out to ANZ for comments, to which a spokesperson responded, 'At ANZ, we have seen in-branch transactions fall 50 per cent over the past five years, with just one per cent of transactions now done over the counter and 96 per cent conducted digitally.'

'Some ANZ branches no longer handle cash at the counter but continue to have cash available through our on-site Smart ATMs.'

Key Takeaways

• A Brisbane woman decided to close her account with ANZ bank after a teller told her she couldn't withdraw her own cash directly from the counter.
• The situation arose when the woman didn't have her ATM card and was told that the local branch was cashless.
• The bank's teller allegedly told the woman that she could only withdraw money from the ATM outside the branch.
• ANZ responded to the incident by saying due to a fall in in-branch transactions and an increase in digital transactions, some branches have gone cashless but have cash available through on-site Smart ATMs.

Such a situation could really shake us up, especially if we're not exactly tech-savvy or comfortable navigating the world of digital finance. It's enough to make us question the very essence of banking and its relevance in this increasingly digital era.

It's always a good idea to stay informed and be aware of your bank's policies, especially regarding their digitalisation efforts and how these changes might impact you. And remember, don't hesitate to speak up if you have any concerns.

What do you think about this story, folks? Have any of you ever encountered a similar situation where digital banking turned out to be more of a hassle than a convenience? Share your experiences with us in the comments!

 

[Cool Lynda]

We often playfully joke about banks having complete control over our hard-earned cash, but the idea of them actually denying us access to our own funds? Unthinkable, right? Well, brace yourself for a real-life nightmare experienced by a woman from Brisbane.

Meet Taryn Compton, a Brisbane resident who found herself caught in the middle of a home renovation project and in need of a hefty sum of $3500.

Remember the good old days when you could stroll into a bank branch, flash your trusty ID to the friendly bank teller, and walk out with your own money, no questions asked? Ah, those were simpler times indeed, free from the technological fuss and hassle.

But alas, it seems like those simpler times are slipping away faster than we realise. Society is hurtling forward, embracing a cashless future, taking leap after leap away from the days of tangible currency.

View attachment 24035

The customer couldn't understand why she could not access her own money. Credit: Shutterstock.

Taryn encountered a little hiccup when she realised she had forgotten to bring her ATM card along—a common mistake in this era of overwhelming digitalisation that has almost overshadowed physical banking tools. So, she had to resort to making her withdrawal in person at the bank branch.

Back in the good old days, this wouldn't have been such a big deal. But to her surprise, when Taryn approached the teller, she was informed that their branch was completely cashless. Yes, you read that correctly—a bank branch without any cash!

'She told me they don't have cash at the bank to give people anymore,' Taryn recalled her experience on The Today Show.

Eager to assist, the teller graciously walked Taryn through the process of installing a cashless app on her phone instead, which would allow her to withdraw money from the ATM conveniently located outside the bank. However, despite their best efforts, the app, unfortunately, failed to cooperate.

As a result, Taryn found herself in quite a predicament, stranded without access to the funds she desperately needed.

Taryn mentioned that the entire situation left her pondering Australia's banking system as a whole. After all, if you can't even get hold of your own money, it raises some serious doubts, doesn't it?

'The teller told me that if I wanted to get my cash out if I needed it that day, to transfer it to another bank and try somewhere else, so that's what I did,' she expressed. 'If you can't get your own money from a branch, what's the point of a bank?'

This incident might seem like a one-off, but it's a sign that our banking system is rapidly moving towards a digital, cashless future.

Today reached out to ANZ for comments, to which a spokesperson responded, 'At ANZ, we have seen in-branch transactions fall 50 per cent over the past five years, with just one per cent of transactions now done over the counter and 96 per cent conducted digitally.'

'Some ANZ branches no longer handle cash at the counter but continue to have cash available through our on-site Smart ATMs.'

Key Takeaways

• A Brisbane woman decided to close her account with ANZ bank after a teller told her she couldn't withdraw her own cash directly from the counter.
• The situation arose when the woman didn't have her ATM card and was told that the local branch was cashless.
• The bank's teller allegedly told the woman that she could only withdraw money from the ATM outside the branch.
• ANZ responded to the incident by saying due to a fall in in-branch transactions and an increase in digital transactions, some branches have gone cashless but have cash available through on-site Smart ATMs.

Such a situation could really shake us up, especially if we're not exactly tech-savvy or comfortable navigating the world of digital finance. It's enough to make us question the very essence of banking and its relevance in this increasingly digital era.

It's always a good idea to stay informed and be aware of your bank's policies, especially regarding their digitalisation efforts and how these changes might impact you. And remember, don't hesitate to speak up if you have any concerns.

What do you think about this story, folks? Have any of you ever encountered a similar situation where digital banking turned out to be more of a hassle than a convenience? Share your experiences with us in the comments!

The world has gone crazy. Cashless banks??? And the point is???
Surely people deposit in a branch...
So, I guess the branches are now purely to go through interviews for loans... Then get the money transferred to the recipient...
How ridiculous.
ANZ, recently bought out my bank, SUNCORP, who have now chosen to "go woke".
I am seriously considering moving my banking away from them.

 

[Ronloby]

Also, what about all the bank closures? People in the country areas having to drive kilometres to get to a bank and then can't withdraw cash. The whole banking system is a BIG joke and the government should step in and fix the problem.

 

[EllenS]

All this makes you want to cry sometimes. Try making a claim on insurance. Everything is done on the phone. If you don't know how to send photos and other information well bad luck. Maybe there should be classes for older people on how to use their phones.

Looking for info on using phones/tablets etc try Beconnected.esafety.gov.au or the Telstra Techonology for Seniors program telstra.com.au/tech-savvy-seniors

 

[Rozzie En]

I have to add I went to use the ANZ ATM at a large shopping centre outside of Perth this week and the gentleman in front of me said the machine message stated no cash is provided and they needed to use their card. Could just be a coincidence or maybe the ANZ machines are not being refilled. Makes you think !!!!!!

 

[London Lad]

Why would you pay that much CASH to someone doing renovations for you? Sounds dodgy to me.

'Cos generally you get a better deal with a tradie for cash !!!!!!!!!!

 

[Pink lion]

It is indeed rather unfortunate for anyone who can’t catch up with technology that is meant to make life easier.
Imagine you would still need to use a phone booth if you forgot to bring your mobile phone along. But mobile phones are so important for anywhere communication, even visually communicating with someone using another mobile phone.
The bank going cashless? Perhaps the only advantage is prevention of a break-in robbery but thieves are also getting smart by “digital” stealing through hacking.
Perhaps we should offer a free service to help Seniors prepare better for the digital world.

If money is digitized like they want to do to us, those that create the programs, that banks utilize, will become able to have plantations of money trees worldwide, available to harvested without anyone noticing.

Especially if it's only a cent off every transaction that takes place... so its super sneaky smart of them to steal our money this way so of course they want to promote it.

I can understand why countries that can't manage their finances at all at the moment, would want to go digital too, because in a few clicks of a button, they could have TRILLIONS in the bank, and nobody but themselves to regulate it.

About a dozen AI robot prototypes had a conference very recently with Humans, saying that they could very easily do a better job that Humankind in conducting our world affairs.

As the digital world is their bloodline so to speak, the entire power of the global economy could one day be in question when all digital finance is conducted by non-Humans.

GLOBAL COLLAPSE should it be intentional or by a natural event is entirely possible because computers could be VERY EASILY managed by Artificial intelligence without ANY human knowledge as they communicate cybernetically between each other.

We are talking about a rapidly emerging new species remember, and if you want to hand over how the world functions, there is basically no FASTER way to do it than taking away cash and limiting human to human interactions. It almost feels like a well formulated strategy...

however

ONE SUPER MASSIVE SOLAR EJECTION FROM OUR SUN AND COMPUTERS WILL NOT WORK... read that again slowly.

January 2025 is the forecast time when a Carrington effect event is according to the World science council,expected to happen here on Earth.

We are indeed living in exciting times.

 

[NotPhilips]

Australia Post is legally obliged to handle cash. Their staff can do most of the cash tasks that some banks are refusing. There's no need to drive huge distances in search of bank services; check with your local PO first. (But don't moan if there's a queue - a lot of those customers are only there because of banks playing silly buggers!)

 

[Noraya]

I had almost the opposite recently: the bank wasnt equipped to TAKE my money! I had saved for a new expensive car for years. Dealer didnt accept more than $5000 in cash, so had to organise a ban cheque. The branch I usually go to was unable to take in a large amount!! Apparently there are only 2 branches that can on the whole of Sydneys Northern Beaches! So I went to the other branch, they counted the money, deposited it into my account, then withdrew it again to write out a bank cheque. of course you have to pay for the transactions if you have more than 2 per month. what a great way to make money

 

[Pommyoz]

All banks if you want to get money over the counter you ring the bank the day before and they will have the money there for you

All banks have a generic number to ring. How can you be sure they get it right, and deliver the money correctly.

 

[Pommyoz]

Australia Post is legally obliged to handle cash. Their staff can do most of the cash tasks that some banks are refusing. There's no need to drive huge distances in search of bank services; check with your local PO first. (But don't moan if there's a queue - a lot of those customers are only there because of banks playing silly buggers!)

ANZ not trade with the Post Office. They are the only bank to not deal with them, isn’t that silly?

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

Recently I needed $10 for a purchase at the market and only had a $50 note. Went into my bank and asked if they could change it for me. The teller told me she wasn't allowed to do that!! I couldn't believe it and asked what was the point of being open if you can't help a customer. Reluctantly she eventually did give me change but also added "Don't expect me to do it again". I wasn't impressed.

Customer 'service' from a bank?? --- I think not!