Mrs Willott put $30 in coins through the counting machine early this week and was charged 10 per cent to cover the cost of using the machine.

“I just thought the machine was free and for customer convenience,” she said.

“I didn’t have my glasses with me so I didn’t see any signs about it anywhere

“I think it’s disgusting that people who only have a small amount of money and go in there, may not be aware of the cost.”

Mrs Willott, who doesn’t bank with the Commonwealth, said money was tight and she’d been collecting coins for some time and wanted to use the money to buy items from St Vincent de Paul.

“It’s not easy living on a pension especially since my husband died,” she said.

A spokesperson for the Commonwealth Bank said the organisation provides a range of products, technology and services to its customers. 

“Non-customers wishing to use CommBank services, such as a CBA coin counting machine in this instance, incur a fee to do so,” she said.

“The fee is 10 per cent of the total value of the coin deposit, which is clearly indicated on the machine.” 

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au