Lower international bank charges but higher in Malta

Bank customers are asking why internet transfers to local accounts that used to be free are now being charged €4 for each transaction.

They are particularly irked because the charge was introduced soon after the Single Euro Payment Area came into effect at the end of January, whose aim was to reduce charges.

In fact, SEPA has made transfers between banks across borders the same price as transfers within borders, cutting the cost by as much as one fifth.

But why do previously free transfers incur a charge? Weren't the banks trying to encourage internet banking rather than cash or cheques, one customer told The Times Business?

When contacted for their comments, both HSBC and Bank of Valletta said they were still reviewing the situation.