Woollies/Safeway card payments only chq and savings - will we be charged?

[ozzbound]

My local Woolworths is now only letting you press Cheque or Savings when paying with Mastercard.
Now, a friend at work is saying this is because Woolworths used to take the charge when you pressed Credit but have now passed this charge onto the customer by removing the Credit facility. I go twice a day sometimes if i am having a scatty day!!
Is this correct? Will we be charged everytime we pay now????
Very confused.....

[Proud Pom]

If you are charged for Eftpos payments then I'd switch to a bank which doesn't charge.

[ozzbound]

If you are charged for Eftpos payments then I'd switch to a bank which doesn't charge.

We are with Westpac and can't see any charges online. Do you think its bank charges then?
I might pop into my bank tomorrow and ask

[spottydog]

My Local Woollies certainly let me chose Credit when using my Mastercard today (good job really since as it is a credit card neither of the other options would have worked). I'd be very surprised if a company as big as Woolies stopped taking credit cards.

[Proud Pom]

When you pay with a Visa Debit card at Woollies or Safeways now, it doesn't have a CR option - just Cheque or Savings. I imagine Credit Cards will still have that option.

[proud2beaussie]

This should only be an issue when using Visa and Mastercard debit cards.

Woolworths debit transactions
Contrary to some media reports, Woolworths Limited has not banned and has not started surcharging for the use of Visa Debit and MasterCard Debit cards in its stores.

Woolworths Limited will continue to accept Visa Debit and MasterCard Debit cards at all stores within the retail group across Australia.

The only change for customers using Visa Debit and MasterCard Debit cards will soon be the need to press either the ‘cheque’ or ‘savings’ buttons to access their funds through the Australian-owned EFTPOS network, rather than the international credit card network.

EFTPOS provides a trusted, safe and secure method of payment. Customers will need to ensure they know their PIN to access their funds via the cheque or savings buttons.


Credit cards will not be impacted by this change and customers will still be able to select ‘credit’ when using a credit card.

Regardless of which button customers press they still access the same bank account. The change, which is likely to only affect less than 1% of Woolworths’ customers, will be introduced progressively across stores in the Woolworths group.

Frequently asked Questions
Q. Is Woolworths still accepting Credit Cards?
A. Absolutely, we accept all Credit Cards

Q. Which cards are affected by this change?
A. ONLY Visa Debit or MasterCard Debit cards which debit funds directly from your cheque or savings account.
Q. What is changing?
A. Previously customers had the option of selecting Cheque, Savings or Credit when paying for their shopping. From 5th May 2010 you will still be able to use these cards however you will need to select Cheque or Savings and use a PIN.

Q. Do I need to do anything different?
A. You will need to know and use your PIN to finalise the transaction. You will no longer be able to sign for the transaction.

Q. My bank says I must always press Credit [CR].
A. Regardless of which button you press you still access your own bank account. You can still use your card to access these funds at Woolworth's.

Q. Will there be a charge for this transaction?
A. Woolworths does not charge you any fees for paying for your shopping regardless of how you choose to pay. If your bank charges fees, you should discuss this with your bank.

Q. Why is Woolworths making this change?
A. Costs associated with processing these cards through the Credit Network are high and unnecessary. By making this change Woolworths can reduce costs which are then passed on to all customers through lower shelf prices.

Q. I do not know my [PIN] for my Scheme Debit card, what should I do?
A. If you contact your bank they can issue you with a [PIN] for your card to allow you to continue to use it at Woolworth's stores. If you use your card to withdraw funds at an [ATM] then it is the same [PIN] when instore.

Woolworths the fresh food people

[Cerberus1]

Q. Will there be a charge for this transaction?
A. Woolworths does not charge you any fees for paying for your shopping regardless of how you choose to pay. If your bank charges fees, you should discuss this with your bank.

I think it costs me $0.65 per transaction when I choose 'Cheque' (bank with Bendigo). I can imagine what their reaction would be if I followed Woolworth's advice and went to 'discuss' it with them.

[Proud Pom]

I think it costs me $0.65 per transaction when I choose 'Cheque' (bank with Bendigo). I can imagine what their reaction would be if I followed Woolworth's advice and went to 'discuss' it with them.

Then quit Bendigo Bank and join a bank which doesn't charge fees. I'm with NAB and have free banking.

[juliemtaylor]

I wondered why the Credit facility wasn't there on Monday as I have just got an Everyday rewards card and told coz I used that I had to choose cheque or savings for my Westpac debit card..

Julie x