They announced that direct charging would be implemented across all ATMs, effective March 3, 2009.

This meant that all ATM owners would directly charge cardholders a transaction fee at the time of transaction for using their ATM if they did not belong to that financial institution.

Well, it's been six months since the scheme was introduced and reports released yesterday showed a change in consumer behaviour.

It shows consumers are going out of their way to avoid using rival bank ATMs so they do not get stung with the $2 transaction fee, and are going the extra mile to use their own bank's network of ATMs for free.

Reserve Bank of Australia research showed there was a 10 per cent increase in customers using their own bank's machines since new rules forcing ATM owners to display their charges on screen were introduced in March.

Prior to the rules coming in, there was a 60-40 split between transactions at customers' own ATMs and transactions at other financial institutions' ATMs.

It is therefore very pleasing to see a large proportion of the population using their own ATMs, and wisely avoiding costly bank fees. There is still 35 per cent who for one reason or another, are content with paying the access fee, and continue to use other financial institutions' ATMs.

The other very pleasing thing about the introduction of direct charging is that people know exactly the cost of the transaction.

One very beneficial spin-off of the direct charging scheme is that accessibility has been opened up and widened for many users.

The scheme has encouraged financial institutions to join forces and provide their combined clients a wider network.

For example, news last week saw the RediATM Network which is based around credit unions and building societies join forces with the nationally recognised NAB network. Creating a win-win for all parties involved.

Sara Morrison is client services manager at South West Credit.