Tips for making the most of your debit card
A debit card1 makes it easy to withdraw money and make purchases online or in store, but there are a few things to be aware of especially when using it overseas.
Withdrawing cash in Australia and overseas
If you’re in Australia, press the Press the ‘Cheque’ or ‘Savings’ option to withdraw money. If you’re at an overseas ATM, press the ‘Credit’ option.
In Australia, use an ATM in your bank’s network to avoid fees. There are over 3,000 machines in the Westpac Group ATM network.
You can even withdraw money if you don’t have your debit card with you, thanks to Westpac’s Cardless Cash feature2. Simply set up your mobile banking app and follow a few simple steps
Using your Debit Mastercard®
Choose the ‘Cheque’ or ‘Savings’ option to make purchases with your debit card throughout Australia. When making purchases abroad use the ‘Credit’ option.
When you see the contactless symbol on an EFTPOS machine, you’ll be able to use the Mastercard PayPass™ option, as long as your purchase is under $1005. Simply hold your card over the reader and wait for four green lights to appear.
Shopping online
Online retailers always ask for your card number and expiry date, and increasingly you’ll need to provide the three digit CVV number. This can be found on the back of the card, at the end of the signature strip.
Keeping an eye on your balance
If you don’t have enough cash to cover a purchase, your card may be declined at checkout and you won’t be able to withdraw money from an ATM.
Quick Balance can help you stay on top of the available funds in your account. Simply swipe left from the sign in screen of your Westpac Mobile banking app to display your recent transactions and the available balance of up to 3 eligible accounts. You don’t even have to sign in.
Security tips and features
Westpac reimburse any unauthorised transaction claims as part of the Westpac Fraud Money Back Guarantee. The only conditions are that you’re not liable for the loss and you contact us promptly to make a claim.3
In addition to alerting you to unusual card activity, this will allow you to:
- reverse transactions when you've been overcharged or don’t receive your goods
- use your four digit PIN number.
Card on Hold
Can’t find your card? Don’t panic, you can temporarily lock your card in seconds with Card on Hold. It’s probably at the bottom of your bag or down the back of the sofa. But best to be on the safe side. Terms and conditions apply.4
Assistance at home and away
Our toll-free Call Centre is here to help with any security or account queries, whether you’re in Australia or abroad. Call 13 33 30 between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Saturday, if you’re in Australia or use the number for Overseas Assistance – both can be found on the back of your debit card.
Exclusive offers in Australia and overseas
Mastercard’s® Priceless Cities program means that all Mastercard holders – even debit card holders! - can now access unique perks and experiences in over 40 cities around the world. For the best dining, shopping and sporting experiences in Sydney, as well as exciting hotel and entertainment offers, visit PricelessSydney.com.au.
And if you’re visiting London, make the most of the iconic London Eye with Fast Track tickets (here).
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Things you should know
This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors before acting on it.
Read the terms and conditions located at westpac.com.au before making a decision and consider whether the products mentioned are appropriate for you.
1. Debit Mastercard®: Choice for youth account, the eligible card age is 8. For any other transaction account, the eligible card age is 14. You must have an Australian residential address.
2. Cardless Cash is available on eligible Westpac everyday accounts with a linked debit card. Limit of 3 withdrawal transactions per day applies, subject to $500 daily withdrawal limit and $1,000 weekly withdrawal limit. Only available at Westpac Group ATMs or select Westpac Group partner ATMs in Australia. To access Cardless Cash on your mobile you must be registered to use Online Banking and download the Westpac App. You'll also need the Westpac App (version 6.1 or above) installed on your iPhone. You must be 18 years or older to use Cardless Cash.
3. Westpac Fraud Money Back Guarantee ensures that customers will be reimbursed for any unauthorised transactions provided that the customer has not contributed to the loss and contacted Westpac promptly. Refers to the cards’ terms and conditions for full details, including when a customer will be liable.
4. Available on personal credit and Mastercard® debit cards only. Cards to which a temporary lock can be applied will be listed when you sign in to Mobile Banking or Online Banking and visit Lock a card temporarily under Cards services. Daily and weekly limits apply. See Westpac Emergency CashTM and Westpac Get CashTM Terms and conditions for details.
Mastercard has reviewed these temporary increase arrangements and has decided to reduce the contactless card PIN limit from $200 to $100 for all Mastercard card transactions, effective 1 April 2023.
Other card schemes won’t be affected by this change at this stage. Customers are encouraged to follow the prompts at each terminal to determine whether a PIN is required.
World Mastercard®, Mastercard® and the Mastercard brand mark are registered trademarks, and PayPass is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.