Our people play a key role in Westpac's involvement in the community.
Call Westpac Merchant Business Solutions on
1800 029 749
What do I need to apply for a merchant facility?
You need a business or transactional bank account in the same name as the merchant facility. Your business name must be registered with the Department of Fair Trading or the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). If you're an internet payment solution customer your business website must be available for review. Manual and high risk businesses will require a Westpac account.
How do I apply for a merchant facility?
You can contact us by submitting an online enquiry. Alternatively you can call Merchant Business Solutions on 1800 029 749.
How long does it take for my application to be processed?
As little as five working days for basic online merchant facilities or eight working days for basic EFTPOS merchant facilities, providing you have submitted all requested information.
Can I begin to trade before my application is processed?
No. The provision of a merchant account number is governed by your application meeting specific Westpac accreditation standards. If your application is not approved, you are liable for expenses and possible legal action for any sales you've accepted which required the use of a merchant facility.
Can I use the merchant facilities for a business registered outside of Australia?
No. EFTPOS devices can't be used outside of Australia. An online business registered in another country must apply for merchant solutions in their country of registration.
Are all applications for merchant solutions automatically approved?
All merchant applications are reviewed on a case by case basis and are subject to Westpac and scheme approval criteria.
What is a real time transaction?
A real time transaction is where the Issuing bank receives a request from a merchant facility to authorise the card at the time the cardholder presents their card for payment, regardless of the transmission channel (either EFTPOS or online payment gateway).
Can I accept foreign currencies on my EFTPOS?
Yes. Please contact your Merchant Relationship Manager or our Specialist Sales Team on 1800 029 749 to find out more.
What are the phone line requirements for EFTPOS facilities?
Our EFTPOS terminals can be used through any analog phone line or port. Our terminals also operate on the Telstra Argent ISDN network. We recommend a dedicated phone line for your EFTPOS terminal to avoid communication conflicts between phones, faxes or internet.
Do I need to have a Westpac account?
For the majority of merchants, a bank account with Westpac is not a requirement. However if you want to get sameday access to settlement funds Westpac recommends opening a business bank account with us. So if you'd like to establish a Westpac Bank account please tell your Merchant Sales Specialist on 1800 029 749.
How safe is it to accept credit cards?
Accepting credit cards is as safe as accepting cash or cheques. It's important to bear in mind that all payment methods come with an element of risk - cash and cheque can be counterfeit as easily as a credit card. To get up to the minute tips on how to reduce your risk read our fraud prevention page.
What is a chargeback?
Chargeback is the term used by banks when they debit a merchants' bank account due to successful return of a transaction by the issuing bank under the Card Scheme Rules. For more information see our 
frequently asked questions about chargebacks (PDF 103kb)
General advice on this website has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness. Consider our disclosure documents, which include Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) for some products. The PDS is relevant when deciding whether to acquire or hold a product. View our Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Registrable Superannuation Entity (RSE) Licence & Registration numbers.
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All applications are subject to Westpac's normal approval criteria.
Information contained on this page is current as at 22 September 2006.
Products and services described here are only available in Australia. Fees and charges apply. Full details of all terms and conditions are available on application. These may be varied, or new terms and conditions introduced, in the future.
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