Australia's largest bank is introducing a new fee for customers to withdraw their own money. An email has been sent to Commonwealth Bank (CBA) users informing them that they will soon have to cop a $3 charge for withdrawals at bank branches, post offices or by phone.

Customers who use the Complete Access Account will be moved to a Smart Access Account, which will have the fee attached from January 6. The only way to avoid the charge is if you are under 18 or reliant on branch services because of a disability.

“We’re getting in touch to let you know that after reviewing our transaction accounts that are no longer on sale, we have decided to close our Complete Access account," CBA said in an email this week.

"On or after 6 January 2 025, your account will change to a Smart Access account."

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The move has sparked outrage from many.

"In that case I would withdraw all my money and put it somewhere else. A different bank ...maybe," said one Aussie customer.

"They do this to stop people using the branch then they shut down the branches and blame the people for not using them as the reason for shutting the branches," added another.

"How are they being allowed to do this- wrong on so many levels. Yep dictating how and where we spend our money- easy solve - change banks," wrote a third.

A fourth commented: "Massively appalling. A bank to avoid. This is pure greed and robbery."

Customers who will be merged into a Smart Access Account will also have to pay a $4 per month account-keeping fee.

That can only be avoided if you deposit at least $2,000 per month, you're under 30, or you meet CBA's other criteria.

CBA not the only one to charge fees to withdraw cash

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank copped the ire of many customers recently when it introduced a similar fee.

Since November 1, customers of Australia's "most trusted" bank have been charged $2.50 if they visit a branch and withdraw their money over-the-counter.

A spokesperson for the bank told Yahoo Finance that this move is being brought in because the banking system is "evolving" as digital payments become more popular.

They added that bank staff will be ready to answer any questions about the change.

"Bendigo Bank is introducing some changes to its fees and charges in order to meet the evolving needs of our customers and deliver on our vision to be Australia’s bank of choice," they explained.