Record number of debit cards to be issued to isolated customers
The outbreak of COVID-19 has necessitated a different approach to the way Australians pay for their goods and services and we’ve already seen this play out through an increased use in contactless payment options and a move to online shopping.
But what about those who’ve traditionally relied on cash and don’t have access to a debit card or credit card?
According to the Australian Banking Association (ABA), over 500,000 Australian banking customers - many of whom are over the age of 70 - currently have a passbook or transaction account without an attached debit card.
While paying with cash would not have been an issue under normal circumstances, advice from the Department of Health is for Australians over the age of 70, as well as other at-risk groups, to stay at home as much as possible to avoid the risk of infection.
To help address this, the ABA said today that banks will be sending out a ‘record number’ of debit cards for free over the next few weeks to self-isolating or quarantined customers.
“A significant number of older Australians still operate passbook accounts with which they withdraw cash at a bank branch, and do not have any card linked to that account,” said Council on the Ageing chief executive, Ian Yates.
“During the Covid-19 period these people have found purchasing goods and services difficult when some retailers have stopped accepting cash. Agreeing to activate a debit card sent to you by your bank, or responding to an invitation from your bank to issue a card, will ensure you maintain control of your affairs whilst giving you more options to spend your money.”
Customers will not be obliged to activate or use any new debit card, but bank staff will be available to answer questions on how to use debit cards and online banking for customers who are interested.
While ABA chief executive, Anna Bligh said the initiative was important to ensure that everyone can access banking services, she also sought to reassure customers about security concerns.
“Paying for goods and services is critical for every single person in our community and will continue regardless of the level of lockdown in our community,” she said.
“The industry has recognised that as a result of the Government’s social distancing advice, particularly for older Australians, we must provide additional options for people to do their banking and pay for goods and services.”
“We understand that some people who haven’t used a debit card in the past might have concerns over safety and security, however they should be rest assured that it’s safe, it’s secure and you can track your spending.”
RELATED: CommBank: More Aussies embrace digital wallets amid COVID-19 restrictions
For more information on debit cards, including a range of helpful guides and answers to some frequently asked questions, make your way over to Mozo’s dedicated debit card hub.
Debit cards 2020 - last updated 20 April 2024
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Everyday Options
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID
Visa Debit
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.
CompareCompareEveryday Options
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID
- what kind of card
- Visa Debit
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
Balances from $1: 0.01% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, atmx ATM, Big 4 banks ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Everyday Options
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Everyday Global Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet
Visa Debit
No overseas ATM fees & up to 10 currencies in one account. Switch between currencies instantly 24/7 wherever you are using the mobile app. Receive 2% Cashback on eligible tap and pay transactions under $100. Mozo's Experts Choice 2023 winner for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
CompareCompareEveryday Global Account
No overseas ATM fees & up to 10 currencies in one account. Switch between currencies instantly 24/7 wherever you are using the mobile app. Receive 2% Cashback on eligible tap and pay transactions under $100. Mozo's Experts Choice 2023 winner for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet
- what kind of card
- Visa Debit
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from HSBC ATMs, EFTPOS, phone, internet, BPAY and direct debits
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Everyday Global Account
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Carbon Insights Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, PayID, Google Pay
Visa Debit or
EFTPOSAn online-only transaction account with carbon insights available through the Suncorp App. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.
CompareCompareCarbon Insights Account
An online-only transaction account with carbon insights available through the Suncorp App. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, PayID, Google Pay
- what kind of card
- Visa Debit or
EFTPOS
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
Balances from $0.01: 0.01% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, atmx ATM, Big 4 banks ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Carbon Insights Account
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Transaction Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID
Debit Mastercard
Earn interest on all balances. No monthly account fees. Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Australia's Best Bank 2023^.
CompareCompareTransaction Account
Earn interest on all balances. No monthly account fees. Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Australia's Best Bank 2023^.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID
- what kind of card
- Debit Mastercard
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 4.75% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000.01: 3.35% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from any Australian ATMs, phone, internet, BPAY and direct debits
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Transaction Account
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Smart Access
$4.00$0 monthly account fee if you deposit min. $2,000 per month or under 30 years old.
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay, Garmin, Fitbit
Debit Mastercard or
EFTPOSCompareCompareSmart Access
- account fee
- $4.00$0 monthly account fee if you deposit min. $2,000 per month or under 30 years old.
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay, Garmin, Fitbit
- what kind of card
- Debit Mastercard or
EFTPOS
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from network ATMs, EFTPOS, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Smart Access
Your selected debit cards
Your selected debit cards
Your selected debit cards
Your selected debit cards
Your selected debit cards
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