Withdrawing Money From Banks Has Become More Challenging Than Seeking Advice, Leaving Citizens Frustrated

Renminbi Banknotes (Video Screenshot)

[People News] Starting June 1, the regulations for large cash withdrawals from banks in mainland China have undergone a comprehensive upgrade. Individuals wishing to withdraw more than 100,000 yuan in cash at bank counters, as well as those making equivalent foreign currency withdrawals, are now required to make an appointment three working days in advance and provide detailed explanations of the intended use of the funds. For instance, Ms. Li from Hangzhou had planned to withdraw 120,000 yuan for home renovations on Friday, but only remembered to make an appointment on Thursday, which caused a three-day delay in her construction schedule. Below is a simulated withdrawal interaction involving a citizen.

Citizen: Hello, I would like to withdraw 150,000 yuan in cash.

Bank staff: Sir, may I ask what the purpose of your withdrawal is?

Citizen: There are some matters at home.

Bank staff: Could you specify the intended use of these funds?

Citizen: I understand you are asking as per the requirements, and I don’t see an issue with that, but I prefer not to disclose personal privacy matters.

Bank staff: We are required to know the purpose of the funds.

Citizen: When I deposited the money, you didn’t ask me this clearly, did you? You are lenient on deposits but strict on withdrawals, right? It’s my own money; my wife doesn’t even manage it; why are you controlling it?

Bank staff: Sir, we are just following the procedures.

Citizen: The process is that I arrived at nine o'clock this morning to take a number, and now it's eleven-thirty, and you are just starting to assist me. When you were processing my request, you mentioned that you have a procedure, which I can understand. However, the way you asked made me feel like you weren't inquiring but rather doubting and scrutinising me. Additionally, the efficiency at your four windows is quite low; it seems like one person is doing the work while two are watching and three are just milling about, and there are still so many people waiting outside.

Bank Employee: Sir, let me explain.

Resident: There's no need for an explanation. I truly dislike this feeling of withdrawing my own money, as if I'm stealing someone else's. I have a verified account, which you can check, and I am withdrawing normally. The impression you give me is that you are not preventing fraud but rather preventing me. After I deposited my money, I found that I cannot make large single transfers. There are more small single transfers, and if I trade frequently, you limit my transactions and require me to come to the counter for transfers. I just don't understand; it's clearly my own money, yet it feels as if I stole it. Do you think that's fair?

Bank Employee: Sir, what you are experiencing is also for the customers' benefit. There are so many online scammers nowadays, right? Risk management is also for your own safety.

Citizen: I understand, but the key is that you should manage what needs to be managed. If you focus on controlling the scammers and preventing them from transferring people's money out of their accounts every minute, then I wouldn't have any complaints. If people's money is scammed away and you can recover it, then I wouldn't say anything. You are neglecting what you should manage while strictly controlling what you shouldn't. So let me ask you, my money is in the bank; isn't it mine?

Bank Employee: Sir, you really have a sense of humour; money in your name is obviously yours.

Citizen: Isn't that correct? You know it's mine, so why can't you just give me my money now?

Bank Employee: This is considered a large withdrawal, and you need to provide a reason for it.

Citizen: You're quite the character! Didn't I mention that I have something urgent at home? If you need a reason, it's to withdraw the money and deposit it at the bank across the street. Is that acceptable?

Bank Employee: In that case, you need to make an appointment in advance; it's likely you won't be able to withdraw it today.

Citizen: Then I'll make an appointment now and come to withdraw it tomorrow. Is that alright?

Bank Employee: Given your situation, I still need to check if the bank has enough cash reserves; we will notify you then, okay?

Citizen: You really know how to frustrate people; fortunately, I tend to stay calm. I've noted your public account, and I'm going to call to file a complaint about you right now.

Bank Employee: Hey, sir, just a moment, please.

Citizen: Can I withdraw it now?

Bank Employee: Large withdrawals can't be processed right now; you need to make an appointment.

Citizen: Then let me withdraw a small amount, just one dollar at a time, and process it for me one by one. Hahahahahaha. △