Copycat CBA lowers exception fees

In the predictable pricing dynamics of the banking industry, the price leadership of National Australia Bank over penalty fees on many banking transactions, publicised two weeks ago, is producing follow-on decisions from major rivals.

Commonwealth Bank said yesterday it will reduce dishonour fees to $5 from $35 on personal and business transaction accounts.

CBA will cut penalty fees on overdrafts to $10 from $30.

The bank will also cut the late payment fee on home loans and personal loans to $25 from $45.

The lower fees apply from October, consistent with the timing announced by NAB. Westpac last week announced similar cuts in fees.

Analysis by the Reserve Bank of Australia published in May 2009 showed that almost one third of credit card fees paid by retail bank customers and more than a quarter of deposit account fees were exception fees of the kind now being reduced or eliminated by banks.