Why We Hate Banks

So I decided the other day to try out an iPhone app for my bank, which would enable me to make a deposit into my account using the phone rather than traveling to a branch or ATM.   The bank had touted it as a time-saver, but I discovered a hitch half way through the process.

The app first had me take a photo of the front of the check and enter the amount of the deposit.  It was pretty much like using the iPhone to take any sort of photo; no big deal.  Then it was time to take a shot of the back of the check.   Those tasks completed, I was presented with a screen to either Cancel or Continue and oh, by the way, a notice that I would be charged $.50 to complete the deposit with the app.   

So my bank had found another fee based revenue source.  Why would I want to deposit a check for $10 and change via the iPhone and pay a $.50 fee?   Short answer: I would not.     I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since a couple decades ago, the banking industry offered free access to ATMs to get consumers used to the devices, and then tried to slap fees on when we used them.  Here the bank has the customer using his own equipment (iPhone) to process a deposit electronically into their system, and they think it's reasonable to charge me for the "privilege?"  But not to state up front that a fee would be incurred...

I think not.   A small example of why we hate our banks.