SALEM, Ore. - Consumer advocates are declaring victory after the state of Oregon Tuesday announced a new contract with US Bank. The agreement eliminates fees for accessing unemployment and child support benefits via an ATM.
Under the current contract, people who get their benefits through the US Bank's ReliaCard get two free ATM withdrawals a month. After that, the bank charges a $1.50 fee per ATM transaction.
Critics say that hurts low-income people. The contract expires at the end of this year, and Oregon state Treasurer Ted Wheeler said he'd negotiate to have that fee removed.
Now, the state and US Bank have agreed on a new contract that allows unlimited free ATM and over-the-counter cash withdrawals.
Consumer advocates like Saadia McConville of Economic Fairness Oregon called the new terms a victory.
"This is an excellent example of how the voice of the people can bring about real change," McConville says. "And I think that's what happened here. US Bank was forced to respond to the public outcry over the ReliaCard."
The reloadable debit card allows people without a bank account to receive their benefits faster than a traditional check in the mail.
Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network
On the Web:
Treasury press release:
Oregon unemployment benefits via ReliaCard:
http://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI/ui_payment_options.shtml
Oregon child support payments via ReliaCard:
http://www.oregonchildsupport.gov/resources/reliacard.shtml
Copyright 2011 Northwest News Network
