I visited the ATM at the local bank yesterday to grab some much needed cash. The nearest Bank of America is probably 27 miles away so I use this out of network bank that is less than 2 miles. Because I’m out of network there’s a $5.00 service fee but that’s okay, my bank reimburses me.
A friend, in Michigan has an upcoming birthday and shopping for the “perfect gift” is too stressful so as you may have guessed, I send cash. This ATM only dispenses 100’s, 20’s, 5’s and 1’s but I’m sending 50. On special occasions my paternal grandmother would sometimes gift my sisters and me money and that currency would ALWAYS BE crisp paper bills. This tradition has been imprinted in me for a hundred years and I need a $50.00 bill. I trot into the bank, stand in line, the teller motions when it’s my turn and when I get to her window, I explain that I want a $50 bill in exchange for these random bills dispensed from THEIR ATM. She asks whether I have an account with them, and I don’t, they are unable to accommodate my request. I explain that I just charged a $5.00 service fee at their ATM…..After a bit of conversation, she reaches out to her superior who after touching and visually inspecting the cash, approves the “transaction”.
Can anyone explain why something so seemingly minor is such a major production?
I trot into the difficult to buy for so I send her money



