Westpac - is this correct?
 

Hi guys

just rang Westpac Migrant Banking centre in London and talked through opening my account with them.
Mentioned I did not want a credit card but very much wanted a Visa Debit card. The guy told me they do a Mastercard Debit but it is only available to Australian citizens. Is this correct? It is not a credit card I am after but a Visa Debit type thing so if I go outside Australia (ie, home to the UK for a visit) I can use my Ozzie Visa Debit to pay for things in shops.

Thanks
Kelly

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

You get an EFTPOS card when you get a bank account which is the same as switch which you can use abroad which sounds like what you're looking for. Maybe they don't do Visa debit cards like they do here, but I've never heard of a mastercard debit card.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Thanks Suzy, however with an Eptpos card I don't think I'd be able to pay for goods in shops (or meals in restaurants) outside Oz which is why I wanted a Visa Debit.

Also meant to add - is it normal for Westpac to send my debit cards to an Ozzie branch of Westpac for me to collect even if I have gone to Westpac in London to complete my 100 point ID validation?

What branch should I get the cards sent to - we are moving to Hervey Bay but wanted to spend a few days in Brisbane first to buy a car, for which we need access to our Westpac account.

Many thanks.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

I've got a Westpac debit card at home, I'll have a look to see if it is Mastercard or Visa, but I think the former. I've never tried to use it outside Oz though, I'll have to give it a try.

Yes it's usual to make you pick up your cards in Oz (and you'll need to come up with the same identification you did at the London office). I'd get them sent wherever you can get to first, they will send them somewhere other than your "home" branch if you ask them to.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

I was looking on the ANZ website before, and I vaguely remember it saying that an EFTPOS card could be used abroad where there was a cirrus or Maestro label, someone might correct me if I'm wrong. I presume Ozzies do travel outside Oz , so if we can use our Maestro cards there then EFTPOS cards can be used here. :)

Also It depends if you want your cards staright away, if you do I would either collect them at the Main Brisbane branch otherwise wait until you get to Hervey Bay.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Thanks for your help guys - the problem with the Maestro and Cirrcus symbols is that although you can get cash out of the hole of the wall abroad you can't settle hotel bills abroad or hand over your cards in restaurants to pay for a meal, it seems.

I tried using my British HSBC Maestro card in Barcelona to pay a hotel bill but they wouldn't take it - I had to get the cash out of the hole in the wall using 3 different bank accounts as the hotel bill exceeded my daily cash withdrawal limit!!

Has anyone else had this problem?

I'm akward cos I refuse to use credit cards I know. Most Ozzies and Brits abroad pay for everything on credit cards.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Westpac definitely do a Mastercard debit card, and they posted my card and my partner's card to us here in the UK. We've used it for booking accommodation etc for Aussie visits prior to moving. Never tried to use it outside of Oz though.
There's a Cards Customer Service Call Centre number on the back of my card, from overseas its +61 2 9374 7082. You might have more luck talking to the Aussies direct than the London branch.;)

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Hi Kelly

We've got a Westpac "handycard" which seems to be the equivalent of a debt card, ie replaces the old fashion cheques. We have used this in both Oz and UK, I'm sure in the UK we have used it in Barclays to withdraw cash from the Cashpoint. there is a phone number on mine - +61 3 6345 1058 perhaps they can help further. However it sounds like it's the "handycard" you're after :)

Pete

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

We have a debit mastercard with Westpac. We can use it as a debit/EFTPOT card or as they say a Mastercard.

I have also paid for stuff online and overseas with it and had no problems.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Mastercard Debit is as good as visa debit (most places that accept Visa accept Mastercard).

They told me the same thing but changed their mind once I was working. I think you're supposed to be PR (as opposed to citizen) but even as a Temporary resident they gave me one once I'd rung them up and told them I'd got a job.

Don't get confused between EFTPOS and Debit cards: the UK doesn't have a direct equivalent to EFTPOS.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Remember also that you also can't use EFTPOS cards to order stuff online.

If you get any problems when you arrive, then have a look at the Citibank Citiplus account - it comes with a Visa debit card as standard, irrespective of visa status, and is also fee free if you have your calary credited to the account.


S

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

We went to London as well, still took 5 days after going in to the branch in Brisbane for them to be sent out:sneaky:

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Thanks guys, on your advice I queried this again and got told as my hubbie is a Kiwi we can have a debit Mastercard after all!

Then someone else at Westpac said as long as we had gave an Australian address at the time of applying for the debit Mastercard we would have got one anyway!

Can I ask a stupid question - I get the impression you can use the debit mastercard as either a debit or credit card depending on whether you choose the "credit" option on a chip and pin machine. Am I right? If so, what do I press on a chip & pin machine if I DON'T want to use it as a credit card, which I most definitely don't!!

Also, what do Aussies call their basic, everyday current accounts? I remember when travelling in Oz 10 years ago you had to choose either "cheque account" or "savings account" when taking money out of an ATM, and that used to confuse me no end!! Is this still the case at ATMs?
If so, what option do you pick to take money out of your current account?!!

Thanks!!

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

We still have 3 options at all EFTPOS outlets (supermarkets, etc.) and ATMs - savings, cheque, or credit.

If you are using a Westpac Debit Mastercard then you will never have to select "credit". I have one. When I run it through the EFTPOS machine (e.g., paying for groceries at the supermarket), I select "savings" and enter my PIN. If I ever use it as a credit card, like in a restaurant, then the card is swiped and I sign the slip of paper they give me - no PIN required.

Any transaction just comes out of the account anyway. There is no actual credit.

By the way, when you have your card set up you can nominate your account as either "savings" or "cheque". Default is probably "savings".

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

With the debit mastercard, when you select CREDIT, the money still comes directly out of your account. It isn't credit to you, but the retailer pays charges as if it was: ie, maybe 3% of the sale.

But, if you select DEBIT, the ONLY difference is that the retailer pays charges as if it is a debit transaction: ie, maybe 25cents.

I am quoting figures that we used to pay as a merchant, some years ago, the figures may be a bit different now, but it is the retailer that pays it. There is no difference to you, the cardholder, whether you select Debit or Credit on a Debit card.

The basic "everyday current accounts" are normally "savings", even the HSBC cheque account is Savings, and not "cheque" ! :rofl:

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Thanks guys, appreciate the replies.
Everything is starting to seem clearer which is great.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Hi,

When we got our Westpac card we were a bit confused. They told us at the bank that if we wanted our transactions to be 'more secure' to say credit and sign for the transaction. The money that is used is still your own.

We also could use a pin number and say savings, this then changed for some reason as they told us they had made a mistake and we now have to select 'cheque' if we want to use our pin number. When using EFTPOS and using the cheque function you can get cashout too. If we want to withdraw money from the ATM, we select cheque and put in our pin number.

To confuse things even more, you can now select credit when paying in a shop and use a pin number. It seems very strange to begin with but now I am used to it I probably would find it weird going back to the UK way of things.

I hope this post wasn't too confusing as it sounds it!!LOL

Sarah

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

We landed 4 weeks ago and have the westpac debit mastercard.

We were told always use credit when paying for anything by EFTPOS, that way you have the same protection as you do had you bought it with a credit card (that is for signing or pin). If we are withdrawing from an ATM then we have to chose cheque. With regards to the cards, we only applied once we arrived, they did manage to send the cards to the wrong address, then they sent my husbands to the wrong address AGAIN!

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

I have a Westpac card and I select "Savings" when taking money out of the ATM.

I also have a St George card, and select either 'Savings' or 'Cheque' for the ATM, depending on which of our 2 'savings' accounts I want to draw from, neither of which are cheque accounts.

I also have a HSBC account with 'cheque' book, I use the 'savings' button at the ATM, not cheque.

Never assume that one answer will be right for everyone :rofl:

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

on my card with westpac it used to be savings but then they changed it and sent me a letter to say press credit instead form now on has anyone else had this happen to their westpac mastercard
lesley x

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

We bank with Commonwealth and have a mastercard debit but press savings- we have an online saving account, an account that we get paid into and then an account that we move the money we want to spend to. Sounds complicated but keeps banking costs down and enables to shop online etc. Had an EFTPOS card in NZ and I wouldn't recommend it.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Help! I was getting the hang of it all thanks to all your replies until your last reply ABC Diamond!

You said at an ATM you press "cheque" or "savings" depending on which account you want it to come out of?

I will have 2 Westpac accounts - an e-saver account and a "choice" account - but I will only ever want to take money out of an ATM from my everyday "choice" current account.

I don't even want a card for my e-saver account, I just want to have all my savings in it and not touch it except online to transfer money into my current account if necessary.

So will my "handycard" or debit mastercard be linked to BOTH my e saver and my "choice" account?

How do I then ensure any transaction, be it ATM withdrawal or EFTPOS only ever comes out of my current account?

Thanks guys - sorry for more questions!

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

They do a Mastercard Debit Card - I am not a citizen but we applied as PR's from within Australia. HTH

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

I have the same set up as you.
I only ever select 'Cheque'.
Money only ever comes out of my current account.
The only time money enters or leaves my savings account is when I transfer money to / from it.
I don't recall doing anything to set it up specifically that way; that's just how it came.
Hope that helps!

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Sorry about that :rofl:

I did expect I would compound the confusion.

If you want it set any other way than how the bank initially set it up, you would need to discuss with your bank, as they appear to be able to set it whichever way you want, if they wish to..

I can't remember which is which with mine now, so I transfer by internet to our Westpac account and draw out from a Westpac ATM if we need funds from the St George account.

Using HSBC though keeps it nice and easy :D

Too many accounts can be confusing though.... We don't actually need all these accounts, but when things are free, I just can't help myself :rofl:

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

e-saver account is online only, you will need to transfer money in to your current account to get it out. For your everyday Choice account options at a checkout etc you can press either Credit or Cheque (forget about the savings bit it's not important) either way it will come out of your choice account. If you choose credit you can not get cashback at a shop, if you choose cheque you can. Same for ATM press cheque to get money out out of your choice account. Handycard is what my 13 year old has, it means she can use it in a shop, ATM but not for online shopping. Just to recap pressing Credit does not mean it is a credit card, money leaves your account in up to 3 days(just like in the UK with debit cards) you do not get a bill each month.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

thank you for that post it always confuses me at the till i cant understand why i have to press credit or savings when i dont have a savings account. immnot using it off a credit card just my normal account
maybe its just me ???
lesley x

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Yeah, it confuses me too because I have to press 'savings' when it is not my savings account and I always get a slight alarm feeling that I'm blowing my savings on the groceries and I feel odd in the bottle-o pressing 'savings' :rofl:

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Hello, this is a very helpful thread.

My husband opened a Westpac account in the UK and did the 100 points ID thing when we arrived here 3 weeks ago. However, they have only sent him a card to withdraw money from the hole in the wall. It has no visa/mastercard sign on it. I had assumed that we need to wait till his wages go in (this Thursday) before we ask them for a visa/mastercard but is this not the case? To be honest its a total pain not being able to use a card to pay for things and having to make sure you have enough money on you.

We are here on a 457 (temp sponsored) visa.

Thanks,
Ren

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Of course they are going to ask you to press Credit instead of Savings - They then get to charge the retailer the $3-4 fee for processing a credit transaction as opposed to the 30-40c fee for an Eftpos one!

I imagine that if you pressed savings instead, the transaction would still be processed...


S

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

you aren't the only one who refuses to use credit cards. I've met several people who share this principal, though I must admit, I don't understand why?!!

The only reason I can think of, is that a person can't control their own spending...and with a credit card, they will spend more than they can afford, thus being forced to pay interest...which they see as a huge rip-off, so in principal they refuse to use them !!

The problem with this approach is that they are missing out on the flexibility that credit cards offer. There really is no reason to pay interest on credit cards, unless you choose to do so by spending more than you can repay.

If a person is unable to control their spending, all they need to do is put a limit on the card. The limit should be approx equal to the amount of cash that they would spend in a normal month. Lets say $2,000.

That way, when you get to the end of the month, you can comfortably pay off your $2,00 on the card, from the cash in your account that you didn't spend....and you will not be charged any interest. Using a credit card allows you to spend money that belongs to someone else. In the meantime, you can be putting your own money to good use.

Seriously - I cannot understand why anyone would want to use, or even own, a debit card. Why spend your own money when you can spend the bank's and pay them back 55days later, interest free?!

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

I should also mention that if you pay at the till using the "credit" button that you cannot ask for extra cash out.

So, if you're at the till and would like to pay for your purchase AND want extra cash back then you would have to press either Cheque or Savings (depending on how your card is set up).

I tried to do that once pressing Credit, thinking that it would work since it's just directly coming out of my account. But it doesn't work, so just something to keep in mind.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

I'm with you on that one. I use our credit card for almost everything. I actually find it easier to keep track of what I spend each month because it's all listed on the same bill. Then, each month the bill is paid IN FULL so I have never once paid interest to the credit card company. I found that if I was only using a debit card I would also draw out cash and spend which made it all harder to keep track of. If I ever want to see what my credit card balance is I can check it online so I don't have to wait until the end of the month.

In Canada we used our credit card for everything and by the time we left we had built up a $1000 credit on the card (benefit of using it) so we were able to go on a little spending spree.

In the year that we've been using our card in Australia we've built up about $300 in credit. So in reality they actually pay us about $25 a month to us it! Plus, you get the other perks like product protection, insurance, etc.

The other benefit is that it's easier to make large purchases. The first thing we put on ours was 4 round trip tickets to Canada ($$$) and because we used a credit card we had some protection in case the airline folded.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

[QUOTE=asprilla;7288553]you aren't the only one who refuses to use credit cards. I've met several people who share this principal, though I must admit, I don't understand why?!!

Personal choice maybe?

The only reason I can think of, is that a person can't control their own spending...and with a credit card, they will spend more than they can afford, thus being forced to pay interest...which they see as a huge rip-off, so in principal they refuse to use them !!

Funny the only reason I think people spend on a credit card is because they can't afford to stick to a budget!

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

That's definitely not true in our case. I don't really need to "budget" in the traditional sense although I do keep track of all of our expenses. However I still set my own budget on how much we want to spend in each area and how much goes into savings. I have no problems keeping to it because we really don't splurge and I find our spending is pretty much as planned every month. So everything goes on the credit card and the bill is usually the same amount every month. No problems sticking to a budget here or paying off the card in full every month.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Just pointing out to the poster that not having a credit card doesn't mean you can't budget! actually missed out the:p at the end of the can't budget bit!.
Currently getting 5.25% interest on our e-saver account and using the credit card for all purchases as we got 6 months interest free.:thumbsup:

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Hi TMRE, yes I know it is personal choice? But why?! what's the reason behind the personal choice?

ps - yes you are right. You can still budget perfectly well without a credit card. But as your post shows - you can do it even better with a credit card, than without one.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

I don't quite get the whole no credit card thing either.

My dad and I were talking the other day and he made a interesting insight to credit. He said it's better to have built up credit when you don't need it than to try and get it when you do need it. Pretty true really, if you were to lose your job or get sick and have trouble paying the bills it would be very difficult to get a large amount of credit under those circumstances.

It's far better to build up good credit and have credit cards or lines of credit available in case of emergency. Just because you have credit doesn't mean you have to abuse it. Although for those that can'd help but abuse it it's probably far better to avoid it altogether.

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

Thats the thing, I can at the moment budget, my brother on the other hand would forget to make payments, transfer the money, or think oh I have £200 in the savings account, spend it then remember the credit card bill has to be paid!. He won't get a card for that reason, knows his limit each month and doesn't have the temptation of that 'extra' money . Bit like speeding, some people stick to the limit, others go over!

Re: Westpac - is this correct?
 

yep wise words there.