‘Horrendous': Aussies slam ANZ bank detail

News.com.au

23-04-2025

An image outside a bank branch has caused uproar, with one person calling the move 'horrendous'.
Images have circulated of a QR code outside an ANZ bank branch in Australia, where customers are encouraged to scan it to find out the location's opening hours.
In one image posted to Reddit, right next to the QR code was another sign stating the branch would be closed on April 25 due to Anzac Day.
But, the sign has struck a chord with some customers, with one claiming it left them stood outside of a branch for 15 minutes.
Tangisi, from Burwood, told news.com.au she was stuck outside the branch queuing for 15 minutes due to a misinterpretation of the opening times.
'I thought it was unprofessional, they should really advertise it out there, sometimes we used to see it at other branches but not here in the city. They should put something out there because for some people English is their second language, for some people who are a bit older they don't understand QR codes,' she said.
'Just put it out there so we know. It's annoying, why not just go back to the basics. I was looking around in there for the open times and couldn't find it.'
Meanwhile, Barry Kidner, 62, said he wasn't all that fussed about it.
'Honestly mate I don't give a f**k about it, whatever means I'm spending less time in there, that's what I'm in favour of,' he said.
'I guess it's annoying, it did mean I spent an extra 10 minutes waiting this morning, but banks have always been this way. It's all numbers.'
An ANZ spokesperson responded to the annoyance from customers about the move.
'ANZ introduced QR codes so customers can access the most up to date information about our trading hours,' the spokesperson told news.com.au.
'From time to time we may change our branch opening hours, as we wish to ensure our staff can be available when they're needed most – helping customers achieve their financial goals, whether it's owning a home, growing a business, or managing their everyday banking needs.
'We understand the importance of accessibility and our branch staff are here to help all members of our community to access the services they need.'
A version of the image also prompted uproar on Reddit, and many claimed it was an unneeded and unnecessary extra step — some even pointed out it could be a security risk.
'The people who need to know the most are probably the same people who are not tech savvy enough to know what QR codes are,' one said.
Another commented: 'This is horrendous, in my opinion.'
'I'm siding with Boomers on this one, what the f**k,' another said.
'I bet someone thought it's a good idea to make the opening hours information digital so they can change them any time,' one social media user said.
One added: 'ANZ — don't click links in email or SMS. Also ANZ — please scan possibly malicious QR code.'
'Criminal that it links to the generic locations page, not directly to THAT branch's opening hours,' one social media user commented.
A commented said: 'As a sign-writer, this is about 10 times more expensive than a white decal with the hours on it.'
'Yep, got a tremor and I hate this sh*t everywhere. It's OK if there are other options. It's be quicker to throw my phone at it and wait for the security so I could ask them instead,' one commented.
Another said: 'wtf just print the hours? Why put it behind a QR code. Not only does it f**k over people who aren't that good with tech but it's less convenient for EVERYONE.'