The bank recently announced through letters to it’s customers that the Cobram branch would be closed and ANZ district manager Gurjot Thandi said ANZ had personally written to it’s Cobram customers to work with them on alternative banking methods, including online banking, mobile lenders and mobile banking.
Mr Thandi has sought to reassure business customers that ANZ relationship bankers will continue to visit them at their locations and be available on the phone.
“We also have mobile lenders to help customers with their home loan needs where it is most convenient for them,” Mr Thandi said.
When asked by the Cobram Courier why the ANZ is closing, Mr Thandi said the decision was a consequence of customers changing their methods of interacting with the bank.
“Customers are changing the way they choose to bank, with 91 per cent of Cobram customers preferring online and mobile banking methods,” Mr Thandi said.
However, for those customers seeking face-to-face banking, ANZ is still keeping its Yarrawonga branch open.
Mr Thandi also wanted to remind ANZ customers that all ANZ customers have fee-free access to ANZ Smart ATMs, the atmx network — including the atmx on Melville St, Numurkah, and additional ATMs operated by the other major banks to meet their banking needs.
“Customers can also withdraw money using EFTPOS facilities at Cobram’s major supermarkets,” Mr Thandi said.
The closure of regional branches has been a recurring theme for all of the banks.