Need to know
- Banking regulator ASIC has released new research questioning the value of school banking programs such as Dollarmites
- We gave Commonwealth Bank’s Dollarmites school banking program a Shonky award in 2018
- ASIC is asking for public feedback and we encourage you to make your voice heard
UPDATE 25/10/21: Commonwealth Bank drops Dollarmites program
It's been a year since we awarded a Shonky to the Commonwealth Bank's Dollarmites school banking program and now banking regulator ASIC has released new research questioning the effectiveness of these types of school banking programs."The Commonwealth Bank doesn't care about education," says CHOICE consumer advocate Jonathan Brown.
"The Dollarmites program is a thinly veiled marketing program to turn our kids into customers for life. ASIC's new research shows there is little evidence that these bank marketing programs actually work. "If the Commonwealth Bank really cared about education, we would have a whole generation of Australians feeling secure and financially sound. Instead we have some of the highest household debt in the world."
We think marketing financial products at kids with fun games and cartoon characters is seriously shonky.
The Dollarmites program is estimated to be worth nearly $10 billion, with 46% of Australians opening their first account with the Commonwealth Bank. 34% of people still have their first bank account.
However, ASIC's research released today has found little evidence that school banking schemes like Dollarmites help kids' long-term saving habits.
ASIC is asking for feedback on the report, and we encourage you to make your voice heard.
"We've heard from parents across the country who are fed up with their children being targeted as future customers," says Brown.
Children are in schools to be educated, not to be sitting ducks for marketers, including banks
CHOICE supporter, Alice, NSW
"Commonwealth Bank are relying on nostalgia and memories of toys and cartoon characters to avoid scrutiny. It's vital that every Australian parent who is worried about corporations in our schools speaks up. Our kids need us to speak up."
CHOICE supporter Alice from NSW says: "Children are in schools to be educated, not to be sitting ducks for marketers, including banks."
"There is no need for banks to invade schools, it is not in the kid's best interest," says CHOICE supporter Ken from Victoria.
We're on your side
For more than 60 years, we've been making a difference for Australian consumers. In that time, we've never taken ads or sponsorship.
Instead we're funded by members who value expert reviews and independent product testing.
With no self-interest behind our advice, you don't just buy smarter, you get the answers that you need.
You know without hesitation what's safe for you and your family.
And you'll never be alone when something goes wrong or a business treats you unfairly.
Learn more about CHOICE membership today
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
