SIR 495 & Visa/Mastercard Debit cards

**Flutterby** · 15-01-2009, 03:48 AM

Hi all

We arrived in Adelaide on Monday and went to Westpac to activate our accounts which we opened in the UK before we left, on arrival there we were advised that because of our visa status we were unable to have a mastercard debit card and were only allowed a handycard. Having checked other banks they all advise that Australian residents aged over 18 can apply but when I called Commonwealth bank they told me that this meant permanent residents (which is not what I understand from the terminology).

Has anyone in the same position found a workaround for this? We really want a visa or mastercard to be able to pay for things online etc and use overseas. We do not want a credit card which we have been told we can have as soon as we get a job. Seems bizarre that we have a large sum sitting in an Australian account which I cannot access with a debit visa card but they would be happy to let me spend their money instead! This can't be right?!

Would be grateful for any help/advice.

**redfoxy** · 15-01-2009, 03:55 AM

Originally Posted by Flutterby

Hi all

We arrived in Adelaide on Monday and went to Westpac to activate our accounts which we opened in the UK before we left, on arrival there we were advised that because of our visa status we were unable to have a mastercard debit card and were only allowed a handycard. Having checked other banks they all advise that Australian residents aged over 18 can apply but when I called Commonwealth bank they told me that this meant permanent residents (which is not what I understand from the terminology).

Has anyone in the same position found a workaround for this? We really want a visa or mastercard to be able to pay for things online etc and use overseas. We do not want a credit card which we have been told we can have as soon as we get a job. Seems bizarre that we have a large sum sitting in an Australian account which I cannot access with a debit visa card but they would be happy to let me spend their money instead! This can't be right?!

Would be grateful for any help/advice.

Hello and welcome !!!! I have sent you a PM hope it helps

Lynne

**Flutterby** · 15-01-2009, 04:14 AM

Thanks for the PM Lynne

**Andrew Williams** · 15-01-2009, 04:35 AM

Hi.

Look at the ANZ Everyday debit card. You can apply online and then just go in to a branch to activate.

Pretty much anyone over 18 can get one of these, temp res included.

Andy

**Flutterby** · 15-01-2009, 04:55 AM

Thanks Andrew, will go and have a look now.

**Lea** · 15-01-2009, 07:59 AM

I am on 495 and have Westpac, Commonwealth and Bank SA Debit Visa/Mastercards - it may be linked to having employment though - sorry not sure whether you have work lined up or not yet.

We had problems getting a credit card at all, Commonwealth, ANZ, Bank SA said no, finally got one at Westpac - get them to check - there is a list of visas they can cross reference to about the debit card. Thats what they did when i recently opened an account with them.

Lea

Good luck hope you get sorted soon

**Flutterby** · 16-01-2009, 06:06 AM

Hi Lea

Thanks for the reply, they were quite clear that even with a job it was the visa status that was a problem. Interesting what you say about the visa list to check against, I might ask them again and just double check, I have no other problem with Westpac in fact the service has been pretty good so far.

**Nick11** · 16-01-2009, 06:51 AM

We have a westpac visa card that is linked to our current account - used the same as an eftpos card. You can get a visa card that you pay off at the end of the month, once you've got a few pay cheques under your belt.