Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
The Westpac MasterCard Gift Card is a prepaid card that can be used at millions of locations where MasterCard is accepted for electronic purchases (excluding automated fuel pumps, gambling merchants and at some merchants displaying the MasterCard logo that elect not to accept MasterCard or Visa gift cards). It carries the MasterCard logo like any MasterCard credit or debit card, but because it is a prepaid card, spending is limited to the amount of money placed on the card at the time of purchase.
Is there a limit to how much value the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card can have?
Yes. The minimum amount that can be loaded onto the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card is $15AUD and the maximum amount is $800AUD.
What are the fees associated with the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
The following fees apply to the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card:
i. Gift Card purchase - $4.95 (incl GST) at the time of purchase
ii. A fee of 1.00% of the AUD transaction value on foreign currency and/or overseas transactions to cover any fees that may be charged by MasterCard Worldwide to Westpac
iii. Gift Card Call Centre (when dialling 1800 204 965 in Australia or +61 2 9293 9292 whilst overseas) - $1.00 to use the automated phone service and an additional $3.50 to speak to an operator. There is no fee for using the automated phone service if the customer obtains their balance only.
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Does the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card have an expiry date?
Yes. The gift card does expire and the date is indicated on the front of the card. You will have a minimum of 12 months to use the balance on the card.
How can I purchase a Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
The Westpac MasterCard Gift Card can be purchased from any Westpac branch and in-store location throughout Australia and can be used immediately after purchase.
You can pay for a Westpac MasterCard Gift Card via:- Cash
- Debit to a Westpac Account
- Cash advance on any credit card
Do I need to have an account with Westpac to purchase a Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
No. Anyone – both Westpac and non Westpac customers – can purchase a Westpac MasterCard Gift Card from any branch and in-store across Australia.
What do I receive when I purchase the card?
In addition to the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card, you will also receive a stylish greeting card in a white envelope together with the Conditions of Use. This allows you provide a personalised message to the recipient without the need to buy an additional greeting card.
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Where can the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card be used?
The Westpac MasterCard Gift Card can be used in Australia and overseas, at millions of locations where MasterCard is accepted for electronic purchases (excluding automated fuel pumps, gambling merchants and at some merchants displaying the MasterCard logo that elect not to accept MasterCard or Visa gift cards), up to the maximum amount available and expiry date on the gift card.
You can use your Westpac MasterCard Gift Card:- At more than one merchant
- To make online purchases
- To make purchases outside of Australia
You cannot use your Westpac MasterCard Gift Card:- At an ATM for any purpose
- To withdraw cash
- For recurring payments, direct debits or instalments
- At gambling merchants
- At automated petrol pumps
- To make a purchase beyond the card balance
- At some merchants displaying the MasterCard logo that choose not to accept MasterCard or Visa gift cards.
Which button do I press at the EFTPOS terminal when making a purchase using a Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
You press the [CREDIT] button when making a purchase. This will process your purchase as a MasterCard transaction. You will then be asked to sign to authorise the purchase.
Can I use the Gift Card at restaurants, hotels, mail order, car rental and cruise lines?
Yes. However, please note that for these merchant categories additional amounts of 15% above the purchase price will be processed to cover incidentals such as tips, room service etc. without the need for the merchant to process an additional transaction. Please note that this does not mean you will be charged an additional 15%. The 15% is only added with respect to the approval, not to the final amount you are charged.
For this reason we recommend you do not use the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card at these merchants.
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Why doesn't my Westpac MasterCard Gift Card work?- At merchants that have chosen not to accept MasterCard or Visa Gift Cards
Some merchants have chosen not to accept gift cards from both MasterCard and Visa.- At restaurants, hotels, mail order, car rental or cruise lines
When merchants of the above categories make an authorisation against your Westpac MasterCard Gift Card, 15% will be added automatically to the authorisation request to ensure sufficient funds are available.
For example, for a restaurant bill of $100, your Westpac MasterCard Gift Card must have a minimum value of $115 ($100 + 15% of $100) remaining for the transaction to be approved. As described above hotel and car rental merchants will seek authorisation for 15% more than the initial payment to cover additional costs. In addition this is an 'open ended transaction', and these merchants can place a hold on these funds for 30 days. Your card may not have sufficient funds to cover additional charges.
For this reason we recommend you do not use the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card at these merchants.
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How do I find out the balance on my card?
You can check your balance and transaction history online for free at www.westpac.com.au/giftcard.
You can also call 1800 204 965 (or +61 2 9293 9292 when overseas). However, please note that if you obtain more than your balance when calling these numbers you will be charged a fee/s.
Will I receive a statement?
You can check your transaction history and balance online for free at www.westpac.com.au/giftcard.
You can also call 1800 204 965 (or +61 2 9293 9292 when overseas). However, please note that if you obtain more than your balance when calling these numbers you will be charged a fee/s.
Will my name be embossed on the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
No. The Westpac MasterCard Gift Card is an 'anonymous' card with 'Gift Card Holder' appearing in the customer line instead of your name.
Will I receive a PIN with the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
No. There is no PIN provided with the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card. All transactions are made at EFTPOS terminals by pressing the CREDIT button and signing for the purchase.
Can I add value to my Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
No. The card cannot be reloaded and once the balance is used the card becomes invalid.
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Is there a minimum age required to purchase or use the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
There is no minimum age restrictions associated with purchasing and using the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card. However, the 'Gift Card Holder' must be able to sign their name.
Please note that the signature panel on the back of the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card must signed immediately by the gift card recipient after they receive the card.
What happens if I need to return an item purchased with a Westpac MasterCard Gift Card?
Merchandise return and refund policies vary by merchant. If a credit is issued to you, it may not be added to the available funds for up to 2-5 business days depending on the merchant processing and the country in which the transaction was made. Customers should check their balance regularly to determine when their card has been credited for the return.
What happens if there are still funds available when a Westpac MasterCard Gift Card expires?
Any remaining balances will be forfeited after the expiry date, so we encourage customers to use the entire gift amount before the card expires.
Can the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card ever have a negative balance?
Any transaction that is greater than the available balance will be declined.
What happens if my gift card is damaged?
If a card is damaged we will replace the card at any branch or in-stores, with any remaining funds transferred across.
What happens if my Westpac MasterCard Gift Card is lost or stolen?
The Westpac MasterCard Gift Card is like cash and if lost or stolen it cannot be replaced. There are no records kept of your details and the card.
Why is the Westpac MasterCard Gift Card flat printed with the words 'Electronic Access Only'?
The card is a flat printed card which means that the personalised information on the card is not raised but thermally printed onto the card. As a result the card cannot be used at merchants that use 'click clack' devices and can only be used for electronic purchases.
The 'Electronic Access Only' appearing on the card is a MasterCard requirement for flat printed cards that can only be used for electronic purchases. An authorisation is obtained with every purchase.
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