Shoppers at Eastgate Mall can be rest assured they won’t face “obscene” ATM fees.

Over the weekend, numerous customers contacted Chris Lynch Media after encountering a surprising $7.50 transaction fee message at both Next ATM machines.

Chris Lynch Media visited the mall on Sunday and many patrons chose not to proceed with their transactions upon seeing the fee.

Christchurch City Councillor Yani Johanson, who was at the mall to investigate, described the fee as “excessive”.

He commended Countdown supermarket for offering an alternative for customers to access their cash.

However, Eastgate Shopping Centre Manager Karina Tainui told Chris Lynch Media the mall checked with the NEXT Payment company.

“This morning we were assured that the $7.50 charge was a screen error and on checking bank statements one should find that the $7.50 charge has not been applied.

“Next ATM’s has apologied for the confusion.

For further questions, shoppers could call Next on 0800 639 8286.