Futher to my post yesterday, click here for a copy of the Statement of Claim lodged by Aldi in the Federal Court about EPAL behavior around EFTPOS fees and behaviour by banks at the same time. Westpac and NAB have announced fee hikes on the back of the EPAL move.
Aldi’s case is that EPAL must have known about the bank’s plans, given that Westpac and NAB are part-owners of EPAL.
The Banking Day newsletter yesterday reported on this:
Counsel for Aldi claimed in a directions hearing yesterday that Westpac and National Australia Bank had notified their merchant customers that changes to Eftpos fees would result in higher charges – 10 cents per transaction in Westpac’s case.
Aldi’s contention is that the banks were telling retailers about their plans, which could result in significant charges being passed on from retailers to consumers, at the same time that EPAL issued its press release.
It’s not too late for newsagents to engage on this issue with their banks and local politicians.
Aldi would welcome hearing from any retailer with news of an increase in fees from their bank. Please make email contact with Alex Richards here: alex.richards@aldi.com.au