Looting disguised as “banking service”
Ah, social pensions, that manna from heaven that the government distributes as if they were candy in a piñata. Thousands of beneficiaries await their financial support with the excitement of a child at Christmas, only to discover that some banks are playing the Grinch and charging them for the privilege of receiving THEIR own money. What generosity of these institutions!
The unexpected heroes (or the least villainous)
In this financial fairy tale, only two knights in shining armor (or at least with functional ATMs) allow you to withdraw cash without commission: the Banco del Bienestar (surprise, right?) and Banjército. Yes, the same Banjército that normally serves the military, but here extends its protective mantle to the beneficiaries. Could it be that even military banks have more heart than commercial ones?
Because, let’s be honest, what kind of cartoon villain gets paid to let a person withdraw their own money? Oh yes: practically all other banks. But we will talk about that later, because the indignation must be measured.
The supermarket to the rescue (more or less)
For those who do not have a “good” ATM nearby, there is always the option of going to Walmart, Soriana or similar, making a minimal purchase (read: buying a $2 peso piece of gum) and asking for cash. Of course, this is assuming that: 1) the cashier isn’t in a bad mood, 2) there is cash available, and 3) policies don’t change mid-month. What an efficient system!
The villains of our story
And now, the moment everyone was waiting for: the blacklist of banks that see beneficiaries as human ATMs. BBVA, Banamex, Santander and company charge between $30 and $40 pesos per withdrawal. That is, if someone withdraws money twice a month, they are left without 10% of their support in pure commissions! But don’t worry, they’re probably using that money to… print more commission receipts?
And don’t even think about OXXO, that paradise of fast transactions, which is useless here. Ironies of life: you can pay for your beer with a card, but you cannot withdraw your pension.
“Extra” functions that should be basic
As a bonus track, the card allows revolutionary things like… making purchases! And receive transfers! Even check balances! Wow, almost like any 21st century bank card. Although of course, with the exciting addition of having to call and enter data as if we were in 1995. Cutting-edge technology, gentlemen.
Do you want to help others avoid this financial circus? Share this information so that more people don’t end up financing bankers’ yachts with their pensions. And if you were left wanting more absurdities about the system, explore our content on how to survive capitalism on a minimum wage. Spoiler: it’s not easy!
