PIN’s the only way to pay

From 1 August 2014, signatures are being phased out as a form of authorisation for credit card payments in Australia.  All Australian credit cards and debit cards will instead use a PIN number to authorise payments at the point of sale.

Don’t get caught out – make sure you are prepared for the credit card PIN changes.

Why use a PIN?

It's more secure than signing – It’s easy for someone to see your signature, but only you know your PIN. Using your PIN for purchases on your credit and debit cards is safer than signing and makes it harder for card fraudsters. There’s only a 1 in 10,000 chance of somebody guessing your PIN.

Faster and more convenient – using your PIN is quicker than signing. Just enter your PIN and you’re done.

Internationally more accepted – some overseas retailers only accept PIN to authorise credit and debit card transactions. So ensure you know your PIN if you’re travelling overseas.

Frequently asked questions

Contactless technology is a fast way to pay, with no PIN or signature required for purchases under $100.

For enabled cards to make a contactless payment, simply hold your contactless card against the terminal wherever you see the contactless symbol or your card logo.

For transactions of $100 or greater you’ll be asked to enter your PIN or sign (where available), but we recommend that you use your PIN.

We issue 4 digit PIN numbers on our cards. You can choose to have a PIN number with more than 4 digits; however some countries and industries only accept 4 digit PIN numbers. If you have a longer PIN, some of your transactions may not be successful.

Much like choosing a computer password, you should keep your PIN a secret. You should avoid using a PIN that contains repeating characters (like 9999) or digits in sequence (like 1234), or numbers that represent publically researchable information, such as your birthday, year of birth, names or family names, or address.

Simply register for Online and Mobile Banking.  You must also be registered for a Westpac Protect security device.  Once you’ve signed in, click on the Activate card link in the Services menu to activate your card, set your PIN and start using your card straight away.

  • Once the primary card is activated, any additional cardholder’s card will be automatically activated.
  • Additional cardholders will be required to set their own PIN using the Set or change PIN link in the Services menu.

No, additional cardholders will be required to set their own PIN using the Set or change PIN link in the Services menu.  Additional cardholders cannot use their card until the primary cardholder has activated their card.

If your card was issued after 1 April 2016*, you can change your PIN online at any time.  If you haven’t already done so, register for Online and Mobile Banking.  You must also be registered for a Westpac Protect security device.  Once you’ve signed in, click on the Set or change PIN link in the Services menu to change your PIN at any time.

If your card was issued after 1 April 2016*, you can change your PIN online at any time.  If you haven’t already done so, register for Online and Mobile Banking.  You must also be registered for a Westpac Protect security device.  Once you’ve signed in, click on the Set or change PIN link in the Services menu to change your PIN at any time.

Your existing PIN applies, however, if you wish to change it you can do so online when you activate your card.  You can also change your PIN at any time using a Westpac ATM^ or by visiting your local Westpac branch with your card and identification.  Please note, to change your PIN at a Westpac ATM you will be required to know your current PIN.

In order to protect the security of your account and personal information we’re unable to provide you with a PIN via email, however, if your card was issued after 1 April 2016*, you can set or change your PIN via Westpac Live at any time.  Simply register for Online and Mobile Banking and a Westpac Protect security device.

For new cards, once you’ve signed in, click on the Activate card link in the Services menu to activate your card, set your PIN and start using your card straight away.

For replacement cards, your existing PIN applies, however, if you wish to change it you can do so online when you activate your card.

To set your own first time PIN, take your card and photo ID to your local Westpac branch.

You can change your existing PIN at any time at a Westpac ATM^ or by visiting your local Westpac branch with your card and identification.  Please note, to change your PIN at a Westpac ATM you will be required to know your current PIN.

You can request a PIN to be mailed to you by calling us on the numbers below.  Please note, this will take 5-7 working days.

Personal credit or debit card customers

  • Call us on 1300 651 089  (within Australia, 8am-8pm 7days/week)
  • Call us on (+61 3) 6345 1058  (from outside Australia, 24 hours, 7 days/week)

Business or commercial card customers

  • Call us on 1300 650 107 (within Australia; 8am-8pm Monday to Friday)
  • Call us on (+61 2) 9374 7082 (from outside Australia, 24 hours; 7 days/week)


Need help or want to find out more?

Visit your local branch or call us on one of the numbers below:

  • Personal credit or debit card customers: 1300 651 089 (within Australia, 8am-8pm, 7days/week)
  • Business or commercial card customers: 1300 650 107 (within Australia, 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday).    

Things you should know

*Westpac Debit MasterCard – all cards issued since 1 March 2015. Westpac Handycard – all cards are eligible regardless of when they were issued.

 

Westpac Online Banking registration required. Refer to westpac.com.au for Online Banking conditions of use.

^Available at most ATMs.