07 May 2003 12:00am

Customers might be turning to the direct saver account option, but from next month many more customers may pay extra for straightforward transaction banking.

From June, St George will collapse eight transaction banking accounts into a single account option, which will cost customers $6 a month unless they maintain a balance in excess of $1,000. The bank will allow 10 transactions a month, and then charge on a user pays basis. Customers with a balance in excess of $5,000 won't pay any fees on Eftpos and St Bank-owned ATM transactions.

At present, excess withdrawal fees...