On specific accounts, Firstar Bank plans to impose teller fees amounting to $1.50 a visit.

Apparently, these fees are similar to ATM charges in that the first few transactions will be free, and any over the monthly limit will involve a charge.

This new program will be directed toward those customers who bank at ATMs regularly and whose trips to a teller are limited.

With the rising costs of ATM usage, and now these new teller charges entering the banking industry, it seems that someday, no one will be able to make a transaction without avoiding some sort of fee.

Why do banking costs need to be such a burden for customers?

It’s safe to say that with these rising costs, Firstar will be just that — the first bank to impose a charge many other banks may also impose.

Sometimes it seems that ATM banking is similar to using a slot machine at a casino. One who puts money in electronically may not get as much in return.

Visiting a bank could now have the same consequences on a customer.

We would hope that Firstar would not charge a customer using these new accounts who need to come in because of a financial discrepancy. If the bank makes a mistake on the account, should the customer have to pay for the correction?

Banks should seriously consider the implications of imposing such charges. Their presence is a monopoly on the process of insured banking and many people are limited to using their services.

It appears that saving customers’ money and keeping it safe and convenient are no longer the central goals of banks. Instead, banks have become huge money-making corporations without regard for the customers’ concerns.

Hopefully, this will change. Someday.