Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question? Below is a list of answers to the questions most commonly asked about the Aussie MasterCard.
Still can't find what you're looking for? Why not try the search function located in the upper right hand corner of this page or give us a call on 13 13 77
Applying for an Aussie MasterCard
The Card
Balance Transfer
MasterCard SecureCode™
Pen or Pin
Aussie MasterCard Chipping
Applying for an Aussie MasterCard?
Q. Who can apply for an Aussie MasterCard?
You can apply for an Aussie MasterCard if you are over 18 years old, an Australian resident and earn a minimum of $15,000 a year.
Q. How do I apply for an Aussie MasterCard?
Applying online is the quickest and easiest way – in fact we can give you a response within 60 seconds. Or call us on 13 13 77 and we can take your application over the phone. If you’d prefer to email us, we can send you information and an application form to fill out and return.
Q. How long does it take before I get my card?
If your application is approved, we will send you a letter which may ask for identification before we send the card out to your mailing address. Once we’ve received your identification forms, we’ll send you your card usually within 3-5 working days. If your application is declined, we will let you know as soon as possible.
Q. How do I find out about the status of my application?
At Aussie we aim to get a response to you as soon as we can. It normally takes us 5-7 working days. If you haven’t heard from us please call us on 13 13 77 and we’ll provide you with an update on your application.
Q. What happens once I have sent in my application?
We process your application and respond to you in writing as quickly as possible, letting you know whether or not your application has been approved.
Q. Why do I need to be 100 point identified?
For us to send you your Aussie MasterCard, part of the process involves confirming your identity. This is a government requirement. We may send you a letter after you have been approved for the Aussie MasterCard asking you to do this. This letter will specify the ways you can complete the identification process (different forms of identification have a certain number of points e.g., a current driving licence has 40 points), and it’s very easy for most people.
If you are having problems collating the required identification, please call us any time on 1300 660 841.
Q. Where can i download the 100 point ID check form?
You can download a copy of the form here.
Q. Is the card guaranteed to be issued?
No. We only approve your application if it satisfies ANZ's normal lending criteria and your financial history is checked with a Credit Reporting Agency. Of course, you also need to complete the identification process.
Q. I've lost my forms, what do I do?
Please call us anytime on 1300 660 841.
Q. Can I request an additional card when I apply?
Yes, simply fill in the required details on an application form. You can apply for one additional card when you apply for your own Aussie MasterCard. After you receive your card, you can apply for another two additional cards. An annual fee per additional cardholder applies.
Q. Why do you need the details of a relative/friend?
If we ever need to contact you urgently and can't contact you with the details we have, we will contact this person.
Q. How much can I save?
Your actual savings will depend on many variables such as your current card type and interest rate. Check out our online calculators to Compare and Save.
The Card
Q. What is the interest rate on the Aussie MasterCard?
Our rate is a low 11.99% p.a. on purchases. Interest rate for cash advances is 17.99% p.a. Terms and conditions available on application. Fees and charges apply. Rates are current at 27 September 2008 and subject to change. This is not a low start or honeymoon interest rate.
Q. Why do I have to pay an annual account fee?
There is a cost for providing and running the card business. A fair and competitive annual fee is what you'd expect from Aussie.
Q. What is the minimum credit limit for an Aussie MasterCard?
The minimum limit is $1,000.
Q. What credit limits do you offer on approval?
You will be offered a limit up to $15,000 based on the financial information you have provided.
Q. Can I use the Aussie MasterCard as a business or corporate card?
No. The Aussie MasterCard is for personal use only.
Q. What is the relationship between Aussie and ANZ?
Aussie and ANZ are working together to offer the best value credit card in Australia. ANZ is the issuer of the card under agreement with Aussie.
Q. Can I choose my own PIN?
No, your card is linked to the PIN we give you so you are unable to change it. It's only 4 digits so it should be easy to remember.
Q. Where can I use my Aussie MasterCard?
You can use your Aussie MasterCard at over 24 million locations across Australia and around the world.
Q. Can I use my Aussie MasterCard at ATMs?
Yes, you can withdraw cash by entering your PIN at any ATM where the MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus symbols are displayed. You can also use it for cash advances at financial institutions that accept MasterCard. Fees and charges apply for cash advances.
Q. Can I manage my card online?
Yes. You can do most things online and we’ll also post you a monthly statement to keep you up to date. Note that account access online for the Aussie MasterCard is different from Aussie Mortgages.
Q. How does the 55 day interest free period work?
The 55 interest free day period consists of your 30 day statement cycle, then 25 days to the due date. If your previous statement balances were paid in full by the due date and you make a purchase on the first day of your next cycle, it will qualify for 55 interest-free days on these purchases if the closing balance of the next statement is paid in full.
Q. What are the full fees and charges?
We want to be upfront with all our fees and want to help you manage your card effectively. Check our fee structure so you can see how to best manage your card without penalty and download a copy of the Aussie Credit Card Fees & Charges.
You need Adobe Acrobat to view PDF files. You can download Adobe Acrobat free of charge.
Q. How do I pay my Aussie MasterCard statement?
There are a number of easy ways to pay your statement. Choose the one that is most convenient to you - from BPAY®, CardPay Direct or Cheque.
Q. Why don’t you offer a rewards programme?
We think rewards are often expensive and pointless. So we prefer to reward you daily with great low rates instead. You can then reward yourself any way you like with the savings you make with your Aussie MasterCard.
Q. What is Aussie CreditCover?
Aussie CreditCover is an option on your Aussie MasterCard that protects you in certain events when you can’t meet your credit card repayments. More…
Q. What is Secure Sentinel?
Secure Sentinel is a fraud protection service that can organise replacement of your registered credit card and arrange to place a block on your mobile phone to help protect against fraudulent calls - all with one phone call. You can also register details of your passport and your important documents so you can easily access them if something goes wrong. This material does not take into account your personal needs and financial circumstances and you should consider whether this product is appropriate for you. To find out more call 1800 225 143.
Q. What is the maximum BPAY® limit?
A limit of $50,000 per transaction and $75,000 per day applies.
Balance Transfer*
Q. Do I have to close my other credit or store cards if I transfer my balances?
It's your choice whether you close your other store accounts or simply transfer the balance to your Aussie MasterCard's low rate. A balance transfer request to your Aussie MasterCard doesn't close your other credit or store card account – you'll need to arrange this with the other financial institution.
Q. How long does it take to transfer my balance?
Balance transfers are usually processed within about 3 working days from either:
- The date you activate your Aussie MasterCard if you made your balance transfer request in your new card application, or
- The date we receive your balance transfer request if you requested your balance transfer over the phone and your card is already activated.
However, if you are making a balance transfer request via Aussie Credit Cards account access online, then:
- A request before 6pm (AEST) on a Business Banking day will be processed to your account on the same day. Transfers requested after this time may be processed on the next Business Banking day. When the billers account will be credited will depend on the policy and systems of the biller's bank.
- You cannot delete or cancel an immediate bill payment or a bill payment to be processed today.
- Future dated payments require sufficient available credit limit on your account at 12am (Midnight AEST) on the day before the scheduled payment date or your payment will be unsuccessful.
- To delete a future dated bill payment, go to 'Future Payments/Transfers'.
Q. Is there a fee involved in conducting a balance transfer?
Balance transfers themselves do not attract transaction fees, although they do not exempt you from other normal fees on your account, for example if you go over your credit limit. Interest applies on balance transfers from the date your transfer is processed by us.
Q. What is the minimum repayment for balance transfers?
There is a minimum monthly payment for your Aussie MasterCard of 2% or $10 of the total outstanding balance on your monthly account statement, whichever is the greater. This statement balance is made up of outstanding purchases, cash advances and balance transfers.
Q. What if I need more credit to transfer balances from other cards?
When transferring balances, check your available credit on your Aussie MasterCard to find out how much you can transfer across without exceeding your credit limit. We can only process balance transfer requests up to 95% of the available credit limit on your card.
If you've recently been approved for your Aussie MasterCard, we can only consider a request for a credit limit increase where there have been significant changes to your circumstances.
Q. Are there interest free days for balance transfers?
No, interest applies on balance transfers from the date we process your request.
Q. If I spend on purchases or make cash advances, can I choose to pay the balance transfer amount last?
No, payments you make to your Aussie MasterCard are applied to balance transfers before cash advances and retail purchases that appear on your statement. This is a standard feature of your Aussie MasterCard and it isn't possible to select which types of transactions are paid first, or how much to allocate to them.
Q. What happens if the special balance transfer rate expires before I've paid off my balance transfer in full?
If you still have balance transfer amounts owing at the expiry of your low balance transfer interest rate, any outstanding balance transfer amounts will be charged interest at the standard variable interest rate applicable to purchases on your Aussie MasterCard. The Aussie MasterCard has one of the lowest standard variable purchase interest rates in the market and you could still save significant amounts in interest compared to higher rate cards.
You can take as long as you like to pay off your balance transfer, as long as you adhere to the Aussie MasterCard terms and conditions, which include the requirement to make the minimum monthly payment appearing on your monthly credit card statement.
Q. Can I request a balance transfer at any time?
You can request as many balance transfers as you like up to a total of 95% of your available credit limit at the time of processing, even if you haven't paid off previous balance transfers in full yet.
Once you have Aussie Credit Card account access online, you can request a balance transfer online at your own convenience.
Q. In what circumstances can I not conduct a balance transfer?
We are not able to transfer balances:
- from other Aussie Credit Card accounts;
- from credit or store cards issued outside Australia;
- if the balance transfer amount is less than $100 per card;
- if the balance on your Aussie Credit Card account has reached or exceeded 95% of the available credit limit;
- if you're in default under an existing Aussie Credit Card account at the time the application is received;
- if the other credit or store card account named in your application is in default at the time the application is received;
- if your Aussie MasterCard has not been activated.
Q. Will I receive notification of the transfer?
Yes, we’ll send you a letter once the balance transfer is completed. The transfer will also appear on your Aussie MasterCard statement and your other credit card statement. You should continue to make repayments on any amounts outstanding with other cards until you receive notification of the transfer from us.
Q. Can I transfer more than one balance?
Yes. You can transfer two balances when you apply for an Aussie MasterCard. After you receive your card, you can transfer what you owe on other cards as many times as you would like.
MasterCard SecureCode™
Q. What is MasterCard SecureCode?
MasterCard Secure Code is an online security service provided at no additional cost that protects your card against unauthorised use when you shop online.
When you shop at participating online stores, you enter your MasterCard SecureCode password in the same way you would enter your PIN at an ATM. It means that only you can use your Aussie MasterCard online, giving you the same assurances you have when you use your card in a physical store.
Q. How does MasterCard SecureCode work?
Once you have enrolled in MasterCard SecureCode, your Aussie MasterCard will be recognised as being SecureCode enabled. This will activate a two-way confirmation.
When your Personal Message is correctly displayed this indicates that you are able to authenticate your password with us.
- Enter your MasterCard SecureCode password to confirm your identity.
- When the correct password has been entered this will confirm your identity and the purchase will be completed.
You will only have 3 attempts to correctly enter the MasterCard SecureCode password before the SecureCode account becomes locked. To unlock this account you will need to contact us on 1300 660 841 and confirm your Aussie MasterCard SecureCode account details.
View Demonstration of MasterCard SecureCode
Q. How do I enrol?
Step 1
You can enrol the next time you go shopping online at a participating MasterCard SecureCode merchant. When you are ready to buy enter your Aussie MasterCard Card details in the payment page.
When you enrol in the MasterCard SecureCode service, you will be asked to create a Personal Message and MasterCard SecureCode password.
Step 2
You will automatically be prompted for MasterCard SecureCode enrolment. Enter the following details:
- Name - as shown on your Aussie MasterCard Card
- Signature Panel Code – Last 3 digits on the signature panel code on the back of your card
- Card Expiry Date
- Date of Birth
The Personal Message will confirm that we will be authenticating your MasterCard SecureCode. This Personal Message will take the form of a personal greeting, such as “Happy Birthday”. Only once the Personal Message is displayed you should enter your MasterCard SecureCode password.
The MasterCard SecureCode acts as your password and will confirm your identity when making an online purchase with a participating MasterCard SecureCode merchant. The SecureCode password must be 8-16 characters long and include at least one letter and one number. The SecureCode password is case sensitive but it is not a requirement that you use both upper and lower case as part of your MasterCard SecureCode password.
As with all passwords, it is recommended that you avoid using birth dates, telephone numbers or anything that could be easily identified with you. Additionally, you must keep your MasterCard SecureCode password secure and it should not be revealed to anyone.
Q. What are the benefits of using MasterCard SecureCode?
The MasterCard SecureCode provides extra security for your card. When you shop at participating online stores, you will enter your MasterCard SecureCode password in the same way you would enter your PIN at an ATM.
If an unauthorised individual attempted to make an online purchase on your card, we will reject an online purchase when the incorrect SecureCode is given.
Although you are still able to dispute unauthorised transactions, SecureCode helps save time involved in disputing them.
Q. When do I use MasterCard SecureCode?
MasterCard SecureCode can only be used when the Merchant is participating in the service. A merchant participating in the MasterCard SecureCode service will usually display the SecureCode logo on their site and ask you to provide your MasterCard SecureCode password to complete the online purchase.
Q. Which Merchants are participants in the MasterCard SecureCode?
To view the current list of merchants who are participating in the MasterCard SecureCode service please select the link View MasterCard SecureCode Merchants
Q. Will my additional Cardholders need to enrol?
All cardholders on your account will require their own unique SecureCode password and so you and your additional cardholders will be required to enrol in the MasterCard SecureCode service. There are no special requirements for additional cardholders when enrolling in the SecureCode service.
Q. What if I do not wish to use the MasterCard SecureCode Service?
You will not be able to make an online purchase with a participating MasterCard SecureCode merchant if you have not enrolled in the SecureCode service.
When making a purchase with these MasterCard SecureCode merchants you will be asked to enrol if you have not previously done so. You will not be able to defer this enrolment as no opt out option exists and you will not be able to complete this online purchase until you are enrolled.
Q. If I do not use this program will I still be able to dispute any unauthorised Internet purchases?
If MasterCard SecureCode is not used when making an online purchase with your Aussie MasterCard, you will still be able to dispute any unauthorised online purchases.
Q. What if the online shop is not a participant in the MasterCard SecureCode service?
If the merchant is not a participant in the MasterCard SecureCode service then the normal process for making online purchases will apply.
You can take precautions to protect your card by checking that the page is secure before entering your payment details. To ensure the page is secure, check for the following:
- URL website will change from http to https (where the “s” indicates that it is a secure site).
- A padlock symbol
or a key symbol 
in the bottom left hand corner can indicate that the page is secure.
Q. Do I need a new card to enrol?
No, you won’t need a new card to enrol for this service.
Q. What if I forget my password?
You can contact us on 1300 660841, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Q. How do I unlock my MasterCard SecureCode Account?
Contact Aussie Credit Cards on 1300 660841 for assistance 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Pen or Pin
Q. What is Pin or Pen?
From 4 June 2008 when you use your Aussie credit card, you will be given the option of signing the receipt like always, or entering your PIN and pressing the ‘OK’ button.
Q. Do I need to enter a PIN at the EFTPOS terminal for a credit transaction?
No. You can continue to verify your transactions with a signature if you wish. Entering a PIN may be faster.
Q. How will Pen or PIN change the way I make payments at EFTPOS terminal devices?
Depending on whether your card has a PIN, you may have a choice of verifying your credit purchase with either a PIN or a signature at the point of sale.
When the EFTPOS terminal asks for a PIN, you can enter your PIN to complete the transaction, or choose to press Enter/OK to proceed to signature verification as you do now.
There is no need to sign on a merchant receipt if a PIN has been used and the transaction is already APPROVED.
Q. Will I be charged additional fees to use a PIN to verify my card purchase?
No. You will not be charged additional fees to use a PIN to verify your card purchases.
Q. What if I don’t have a PIN on my Aussie credit card?
If you do not have a PIN at present, simply call Aussie on 13 13 77 or simply sign for your purchases as per normal.
Q. What if I have exceeded my PIN tries at a terminal?
Aussie cardholders are allowed three PIN retries at EFTPOS terminals from midnight to midnight (EST). We recommend that you contact us if you continue to have problems with your PIN.
Q. Will Pen or PIN affect all EFTPOS terminals?
Pen or PIN will apply to credit transactions at all PIN capable EFTPOS terminals. Please note that some unmanned EFTPOS terminals may not have PIN capability.
Q. Will Pen or PIN impact how I use my card/s overseas?
Customers that have a PIN-enabled credit card may be able to use PIN to verify their purchases at the point of sale overseas.
Q. Will Pen or PIN affect how I use ATMs?
There will be no changes to how you currently use an ATM.
Q. What if I am not prompted for a PIN?
In most cases where you are not prompted for a PIN, the EFTPOS terminal will print a receipt and you’ll be asked for a signature. It is possible that some EFTPOS terminals may not be configured to accept a PIN or your card may not have a PIN.
Aussie MasterCard Chipping — General Information
Q.Why have I received a new card?
Aussie has committed to chipping all our credit cards in order to bring greater security to our customers. All existing non-chipped credit cards will be replaced with a new CHIP card when they come up for reissue.
Q.What is a CHIP credit card? How does a CHIP credit card differ from a card with just a magnetic stripe?
A CHIP credit card has an embedded security microchip. It is more secure than a magnetic stripe on the back of your existing Aussie credit card, because it is more difficult to fraudulently copy the credit card details.
Q.Can you tell me more about the security of having a CHIP on a credit card?
CHIP technology is fast becoming the global standard for credit card security. In Europe and Asia, it is already being widely used and has proven to be effective in preventing fraud.
Q.How does the CHIP provide additional security and help to prevent fraud?
CHIP credit cards can store encrypted confidential information, which significantly helps to protect the card against counterfeit fraud.
A chip transaction generates a unique transaction and because each transaction generates a different ID, this makes the counterfeit production of the card more difficult.
Q.Does the CHIP store additional information regarding my transactions and personal information?
No, the CHIP cannot obtain any additional personal information.
The chip holds the same personal data as that on the magnetic stripe (eg. cardholder name, card number and expiry date), and also provides additional security features to safeguard against counterfeiting.
Q.Do CHIP credit cards work in the ATM/Overseas?
Yes, you will be able to continue with your ATM/Overseas banking requirements as normal without any change.
Q.What do I need to do with my old credit card?
With your old credit card, you will need to destroy your old card by cutting the card diagonally in half across the magnetic stripe.
You should only destroy your existing (old) card when you have received a new chip card. A new chip card will only be sent out to you when your existing card comes up for re-issue or is lost or stolen.
Q.What do I need to do with my new CHIP credit card?
You will need to sign at the back of your new CHIP credit card and your new card is ready for you to use. Remember to destroy your old card by cutting the card diagonally in half across the magnetic stripe.
If you require a PIN, please call 13 13 77 to obtain one.
Q.Will anything change for our customers upon receiving the new CHIP card?
No. The process is the same as if the customer were receiving a replacement card; it’s just that their new card has the added security feature – the CHIP.
Q.Will any features and benefits of the card change?
No – This is simply a plastic card replacement process.
Q.Will there be any account or card number changes?
No. Your credit card, account number, Telecode and Account Access Online details will remain the same.
Q.Will my direct debits/ card pay direct details change?
No. Your credit card number will remain the same; therefore all details will remain the same. Customers will not be required to update their direct debit and/ or card pay direct details.
Q.Are there any fees charged for this new CHIP card?
No. You will not be charge any fees for your new replacement card.
Q.I already have a PIN on my existing credit card. Will my PIN change because I received a new CHIP card?
No. If you already have an existing PIN on your old card, the PIN will remain the same.
Q.How do I get a PIN?
If you require a PIN please call 13 13 77 and talk to an Aussie cards consultant.
Q.What if I don’t want a CHIP card?
Visa and MasterCard have both mandated that all cards will need to be chipped in the near future. As a result of this, Aussie will stop issuing non Chipped credit cards as of now.