Whirlpool

Hey guys
I recently signed up to this offer for CBA and have had the account put in my netbank today. While at the risk of sounding dumb with this question, I shall ask anyway. Do I get a card sent to me by mail? Does it even come with a card? I thought I'd come across this information when signing up for it but nothing??

Thanks!

Yes you get a new card: http://www.commbank.com.au/personal/accounts/smart-access/default.aspx

I had a Streamline e-Access account and converted it to a Smart Access account. Problem is I got the Debit card, then they sent me a new KeyCard (the green one)...

Thank you very much Gokhan. Now I wonder how long it'll take to have it delivered.

You should get a card in the mail in a few days and also a seperate letter containing the PIN.

I'm also interested in signing up for this.

So I would still retain my Streamline account and have a separate debit Mastercard linked to it, or will they all merge into one new account?

Also, regarding the usage fees, could someone enlighten me on those? I've been looking at this (http://www.commbank.com.au/personal/accounts/smart-access/rates-fees/) and can't tell how much it'll cost me if I wanted to just withdraw money from a Commonwealth ATM with the Mastercard or just make a normal purchase with it online or through a retail store.
Had the impression it's free but saw somewhere else that someone had sort of signed up without knowing the underlying usage charges.

Cheers.

They mere your accounts. Nothing changes though. You just get a new card and pin, same BSB and Account Number.

funkyblue writes...

They mere your accounts. Nothing changes though. You just get a new card and pin, same BSB and Account Number.

So I can use both a normal Keycard and an additional Debit Mastercard?

Also, I can just cancel my Debit Mastercard later on if I don't need it anymore and revert back to the normal bank account?

One more thing as well. I would have to pay both a Streamline account monthly fee + Debit Mastercard monthly fee?

Cheers

Signing up now.

If you open a Complete Access account, you will have that + your Streamline account which means you will be paying both fees (unless your a student). You can however convert your Streamline account to a Complete Access account which means you keep your account number and BSB + you'll only pay one set of fees.

How long have they had this out for? Nearly a year ago I enquired into one of these debit mastercards but CBA said they didn't do them (only ANZ did at the time I think). Therefore, I applied for a low fee credit card instead which has an annual fee of about $50 I think.

Would I now be better off cancelling my credit card and just converting my regular debit card (streamline account) into the debit mastercard (smart access)? I'm assuming the fees would be the same ($4 a month unlimited)?

I don't ever buy anything on credit, so I don't need a credit card anyway. I only use it to purchase stuff online etc.

Also what is the daily limit you can use on a debit mastercard? Or is it limitless, just depending on the balance of your account?

I've heard a few negative stories about cancelling credit cards, and what can result from that. Do a bit of googling about cancelling credit cards.

I doubt there are spending limits, should essentially be based on how much money is in your account. There may be withdrawal limits on ATMs though.

schumacher1 writes...

I've heard a few negative stories about cancelling credit cards

Hmm interesting, you mean bad credit reports?

But shouldn't it be alright if you have no outstanding balance?

schumacher1 writes...

If you open a Complete Access account, you will have that + your Streamline account which means you will be paying both fees (unless your a student). You can however convert your Streamline account to a Complete Access account which means you keep your account number and BSB + you'll only pay one set of fees.

So if you apply for one online, by default you will have two accounts, correct?

So how do you get them to merge the existing streamline account into the new debit mastercard account? Do you have to do it over the phone or is there an option when you apply online?

Yes it should be fine if you have no outstanding balance. You have to make sure the person who cancels your credit card puts a note saying the client requested it to be cancelled, not the bank.

Yes you can do it online. I think its under "Manage Accounts" and there should be a button which says convert streamline to Mastercard Debit or Complete Access (something like that).

I accidentally opened a completely new Complete Access account rather than converting my Streamline. When I went into the bank they closed the new Complete Access for me and converted my Streamline. That way I kept my account number.

I applied mine at the branch and have received the card.

The customer service assured me that everything else other than the card is the SAME. I asked twice just to be sure. I see no changes in Netbank or account fee. I think having this debit card is better than the keycard. You get the option of pressing "Credit" at checkout for added security.

toffuIT writes...

You get the option of pressing "Credit" at checkout for added security.

I'm confused, why is this added security? Also what would happen if you choose "credit" with a debit mastercard? Would it just come out of your account balance as usual?

schumacher1 writes...

Yes you can do it online. I think its under "Manage Accounts" and there should be a button which says convert streamline to Mastercard Debit or Complete Access (something like that).

So the BSB and account number will still be the same? Will it still be the same PIN as well?

Also are there any other hidden fees for doing mastercard transactions with the debit mastercard? Or is it just the same as a normal credit card?

The questions being asked by "ih8parties" are interesting to me as well.

So assuming you were using the Streamline Unlimited account, which was charged $6/month, and then converted it to a Complete Access account which is then $6/month again then there really isn't a an excuse not to change if it's really a matter of replacing a Keycard with a Debit Mastercard which also acts as a Keycard?

Also, I'm not too sure what the difference between Smart Access and Complete Access is. Seems like Complete is like Smart but you can have "Assisted" services as well.

I'm currently on a Streamline account, but I don't think it's either the e-Streamline or the Streamline Unlimited thing which I think are newer products. EDIT: Unless the old "Streamline" is now "Streamline Unlimited".

I'll be converting to the "Smart Access" account for now. I don't think I'll need Assisted Withdrawals or Cheques anytime soon. They're only $2.00 and $1.00 respectively anyway.

That's what it says in the letter that comes with the card. Press Credit for added security. I haven't had the chance explore this area yet because i just got mine yesterday.

New card, new PIN number. The Cust. Rep. said once I activate the new one, my keycard will be invalid. Again, haven't tested it yet.

toffuIT writes...

New card, new PIN number.

Alright, so its the same BSB and account number?

Ok this is what it says in the letter

"Simply by pressing Credit when making purchases, you'll receive the added security of Commonwealth Bank's Fraud Monitory service. Plus, enjoy the peace of mind of MasterCard Zero Liability, for protection against fraud and unauthorised charges."

so it's still a debit card, whereby you need to have money in it to make purchases, even if you press 'Credit'

toffuIT writes...

so it's still a debit card, whereby you need to have money in it to make purchases, even if you press 'Credit'

The end result is the same, but I guess we have to use "Credit" from now on. I think it actually contributes to your credit history (buy and pay almost instantly) which is a good thing.

The only negative I see out of this is that I guess your money is more readily available to those who can abuse it, through online purchases etc. Just be careful I guess.

I've applied for Smart Access.

toffuIT writes...

"Simply by pressing Credit when making purchases, you'll receive the added security of Commonwealth Bank's Fraud Monitory service. Plus, enjoy the peace of mind of MasterCard Zero Liability, for protection against fraud and unauthorised charges."

And has absolutely nothing to do with the institution getting more money in interchange fees of course. ;)

Perhaps another advantage of using "CRE" over "SAV/CHQ" is to overcome the daily EFTPOS limit imposed by most financial institutions.

None the less, these things are pretty handy. I keep a few hundred in the account and use my Debit MasterCard for small(ish) online/day-to-day purchases. I simply move money to it from a Netbank Saver account as necessary. Netbank Saver accounts have no fees (and if you're fortunate enough to have $50,000 in one, no fees for your other accounts either).

The advantage of using the credit button is it also builds up a spending pattern on their fraud monitoring system. As a result of this I received a phone call from them one day to confirm an internet purchase I had made (because I'd used the card a lot, but never 'overseas') was actually authorised by me.

And of course, they make a few extra bucks out of the fees the banks charge each other for it.

Mick writes...

And of course, they make a few extra bucks out of the fees the banks charge each other for it.

What fees do you mean?

The banks charge more money in 'interchange' fees for 'scheme debit cards' than for an EFTPOS transaction. This means they make more because it costs the merchant you are buying from more to process your transaction than it would if you pushed the savings button, even though the money comes from the same place (your pocket).

As stated though, it does also get around the $800 or $1000 limit that is normally applied to accounts.

Mick writes...

The banks charge more money in 'interchange' fees for 'scheme debit cards' than for an EFTPOS transaction.

So how much are these fees per transaction if you select "credit"? Can you still just use "savings" to avoid the fees?

You don't pay any extra fees at all. It costs the merchant (Coles or whoever) a bit more to process the transaction.

With PIN on credit now, I just use the credit button unless it is a merchant with a credit card surcharge. That is the only time I use savings now.

Credit also gives you more protection with things like chargeback rights should something go wrong, which you don't have access to if you use the savings button.

what i coulda just converted my streamline acct?

garr! why didnt they tell me!!

now i have to go close my access acct, and change my streamline over..or close streamline...PITA

You should have gone to the branch, like me. They can do it in just a few click on their workstation. In meantime, you can continue to use your keycard until you activate the debit card.

You can press "Credit" or "Savings" when using the card. Ultimately the money will come out of your savings.

I've noticed the time taken for transactions to display in NetBank is longer when I press "Credit".

So it doesn't matter if you use Credit or Savings (I assume a withdrawal limit is imposed) but you're better off using Credit since it's safer anyway and builds on a financial history for yourself?

When I converted my Streamline to a Smart Access, I kept my BSB and Account numbers. My fees dropped to $4.
I still have my keycard and I have a Debit Mastercard as well. Both work.
If you use it as credit, Mastercard still process the transaction so surcharges apply. I use my keycard for ATM withdrawals, and my mastercard for online and shopping unless I need cash out.

Hope this helps.

grank writes...

If you use it as credit, Mastercard still process the transaction so surcharges apply.

Oh really? That's not too cool.

Can't you just use the Mastercard for ATM withdrawals as well, or do they charge for that as well?

toffuIT writes...

You should have gone to the branch, like me

I did!!

in all fairness i did this in the first week of the card coming out so id say the staff didnt know that it was possible.

Doesnt matter, il just close the new acct and get the other one changed. No real drama.

dannyboi writes...

Oh really? That's not too cool.
Just be aware that the fees charged are not charged to YOU. These are merchant processing fees paid for by the retailer.

grank writes...

I use my keycard for ATM withdrawals, and my mastercard for online and shopping unless I need cash out.

You can get rid of the keycard, the mastercard can do atm withdrawals as well.

Je suis un abricot sec writes...

You can get rid of the keycard, the mastercard can do atm withdrawals as well.

keep it. stick in your sock drawer.
that way you have a spare card, loose one and your not screwed.

change the PIN to be the same at an ATM

Mick writes...

Just be aware that the fees charged are not charged to YOU. These are merchant processing fees paid for by the retailer.

Well then, that's good news. So there's no difference to you as the end user in terms of cost difference between using Credit and Savings.
If I don't have to pay that mentioned surcharge, then there's no point dwelling on it.

Debit Mastercards sound like a great idea...

If you use your Mastercard Debit Card with Tiger Airways you avoid credit card fees :)

dannyboi writes...

Debit Mastercards sound like a great idea...

Yes and no.

Yes, because you use your own funds and don't get charged any interest or overlimit/late payment fees and you can use your account just like a credit card.

No, because if you lose your card, someone can quite literally take every last cent from your account in a day. This is because if you press the 'Credit' button when making a purchase, normal daily withdrawal limits do NOT apply. You can keep making purchases until your account balance goes to zero.
For those that think the bank will monitor any unusual spending patterns, this is true, but unless a transaction is made at a 'known' hot spot, they will not block your card, but rather they will try to contact you to verify the transactions. By then of course it could be too late. Once a transaction has been made, the bank WILL NOT cancel it. You have to dispute it.

For those that keep all their money in the Debit Mastercard account, you are risking financial ruin. Sure, you can dispute any unauthorised transactions, but the bank can take months to finalise a dispute.

dannyboi writes...

Debit Mastercards sound like a great idea...

Absolutely. To put it simply, it's just like having an upgrade without paying extra.

Rotten Ronnie writes...

If you use your Mastercard Debit Card with Tiger Airways you avoid credit card fees

How though? Wouldn't they just see it as an ordinary credit card?

starionx writes...

No, because if you lose your card, someone can quite literally take every last cent from your account in a day.

Yeah I thought about that. That's the downside to it, but I guess they have to get hold of your PIN first.
The problem probably lies with online transactions if they can get hold of your credit card.

For those that keep all their money in the Debit Mastercard account, you are risking financial ruin. Sure, you can dispute any unauthorised transactions, but the bank can take months to finalise a dispute.

I keep around 5% of my money in my Streamline (now Smart Access) account and the rest in a Netbank Saver account, and then transfer money over when I need it. Unless they have access to my Netbank account as well, that should be reasonably safe.

dannyboi writes...

Yeah I thought about that. That's the downside to it, but I guess they have to get hold of your PIN first.

That is incorrect. If someone has got a hold of your card then they can press Credit and forge your signature instead of entering a pin.

It's the same risk as anyone else who loses their credit card.

^^^^ Beat me to it!

dannyboi writes...

Yeah I thought about that. That's the downside to it, but I guess they have to get hold of your PIN first.

Only thing is they get the choice whether to sign or use the PIN. Don't think it takes much effort to fake a signature.. especially with how well they are verified *rolls eyes*. This sorta seems silly to me... I'd much rather have the card be PIN *only* ><

I keep around 5% of my money in my Streamline (now Smart Access) account and the rest in a Netbank Saver account, and then transfer money over when I need it.

This is exactly what I do. You get higher interest on your Netbank saver and also being forced to look at a lower day-to-day balance (I keep max $500 in my Smart Access) along with having to put effort in to transfer money into it (admittedly not much effort) helps give you the psychological... thought process to curb your spending a little ;)

JimiJam writes...

Only thing is they get the choice whether to sign or use the PIN. Don't think it takes much effort to fake a signature

Oh yes that's annoying. I've never actually owned a credit card before so I'm new to all of this.
Those people who have to sign when you're in the queue. It would be good if you can opt for PIN-only.

You get higher interest on your Netbank saver and also being forced to look at a lower day-to-day balance (I keep max $500 in my Smart Access) along with having to put effort in to transfer money into it (admittedly not much effort) helps give you the psychological... thought process to curb your spending a little ;)

I did it for the higher interest vs. next-to-no interest. The reason why I'm getting the Mastercard is because of the iPhone, so in a way, it won't really curb my spending at all :P

After the iPhone purchase though, I'll return to the 5% maximum amount in my main bank account. I guess keeping around $500 is alright. You wouldn't need more than $500 in an emergency and it's enough to get you out of most situations.

ih8parties writes...

Wouldn't they just see it as an ordinary credit card?
The drop down menu gives you 2 options
CC or Debit Mastercard Card

starionx writes...

No, because if you lose your card, someone can quite literally take every last cent from your account in a day.

CBA is generally good with calling you up to verify whether you approve the funds being spent.

landypro writes...

CBA is generally good with calling you up to verify whether you approve the funds being spent.

Is that true? I have spent loads purchasing things at big shopping outlet and never ever had I got a call to verify my spending

Just to recap.

There aren't any costs to use the Mastercard in place of a Keycard at ATMs right?
Also, are there costs to use the Debit Mastercard when paying at stores and online?

dannyboi writes...

There aren't any costs to use the Mastercard in place of a Keycard at ATMs right?

No. This acts the same way as your Keycard as long as you use them the say way. ie, pressing Savings. NOT credit.

Also, are there costs to use the Debit Mastercard when paying at stores and online?

Depends on the merchant. I haven't come across a shop that charge me when I press Saving. Unless if it happen at overseas.

I don't press credit. I press Savings instead.

If you press Credit, whoever you are paying gets slugged 1-2%.

Has anyone seen where you can use the PayPass contactless feature? Supposedly they are installing 5000 terminals before the end of this year.

dannyboi writes...

It would be good if you can opt for PIN-only.

You could write "PIN-ONLY" or the like on the signature strip.

dannyboi writes...

Also, are there costs to use the Debit Mastercard when paying at stores and online?

Some places might slog you a 1-2% surcharge for pressing credit. They get charged this themselves and may pass it on to you. You can avoid this in-store by pressing Savings. You can't avoid this online or over the phone.

There aren't any costs to use the Mastercard in place of a Keycard at ATMs right?

You don't have the option of pressing credit in the ATM with a debit mastercard. It works the same way your keycard does.

Anyone knows the differences between Smart Access and Complete Access accounts?

leiiv writes...

Anyone knows the differences between Smart Access and Complete Access accounts?

AFAIK complete access is for people that do transactions over the counter at a branch, and/or want "assistance".

Basically complete access is more suited to the elderly and/or technophobes that don't like using ATMs or netbanking?

toffuIT writes...

No. This acts the same way as your Keycard as long as you use them the say way. ie, pressing Savings. NOT credit.

Right. So for purchases under my daily limit, and I don't care too much about the chargeback thing, I'm better off using Savings. If the purchase is higher than my daily withdrawal limit, then I have to use Credit.

This is assuming the seller accepts normal EFTPOS, otherwise it's Credit if it's Mastercard-only or something similar.

leiiv writes...

Anyone knows the differences between Smart Access and Complete Access accounts?

In simple the Smart access gives you unlimited CBA ATM withdrawls, EFTPOS, Phone and internet transfers (so practically electronic withdrawals not including non CBA ATM's), Withdraw money from a branch and you pay $2 each time.

Where as the Complete access is the exact same as the Smart access only difference is that you also get unlimited assisted or over the counter withdrawals at no extra cost.

ahh.. thanks MonaroCV8Z Man and ih8parties
so if you are a student = no fee, then it is better to get the complete access, since you get more with the same "no fee"

sawtooth wave writes...

You don't have the option of pressing credit in the ATM with a debit mastercard. It works the same way your keycard does.

wot? not

At an ATM with a CBA Debit MasterCard, pressing the Credit button is the same as the Savings button, it's the same account linkage, transaction routed the same too.

(similar but different at EFTPOS, you can press either SAV or CR.
POS SAV transactions are routed differently, via bilateral eftpos links, not mastercard.
POS CR transactions are routed via mastercard, not eftpos links)

leiiv writes...

ahh.. thanks MonaroCV8Z Man and ih8parties
so if you are a student = no fee, then it is better to get the complete access, since you get more with the same "no fee"

Spot on, just remember that the CBA will only load a student exemption on your account 1year at a time and would most likely want proof of full-time study.

Received my debit Mastercard today.

Will wait until the PIN arrives. Apparently you can just change it at the ATM, which I think I'll be doing.

Reporting back. So far so good. It's works exactly like a normal bank account, except you can use your funds anywhere that accepts credit cards.

As a security measure, I'd suggest that you keep the majority of your funds in a separate account (like Netbank) and then transfer it over when you need it. Keeping something like $200-$500 in your bank account is probably enough to cover some bills and emergency cash.

Just going to jump in, its a tad off the subject but..

I recently changed my commonwealth youthsavers account to a Streamline Unlimited with the NetBank Savers account.

I would like to know the difference between Streamline Unlimited and Streamline e-Access, one is $6 dollars a month and the latter $4, right now I don't have to pay the monthly fee.

Could anyone that has a commonwealth bank account knowledge help me out, otherwise ill just drop in to the branch tomorrow afternoon.

Zek99 writes...

I would like to know the difference between Streamline Unlimited and Streamline e-Access, one is $6 dollars a month and the latter $4, right now I don't have to pay the monthly fee.

Streamline e-Access
http://www.commbank.com.au/personal/accounts/streamline-e-access/default.aspx

Streamline Unlimited
http://www.commbank.com.au/personal/accounts/streamline-unlimited/default.aspx

Looked at them and the only difference i can see is that the 6 dollar one has assisted phone banking, if that really is the cause of the 2 dollar increase that is quite funny.

Unlimited has unlimited Commonwealth Bank Branch and assisted phone transactions, rather than just ATM and EFTPOS, I also recall it had a chequebook included too...

Ah, that makes sense, more labor involved, another quicky, Can i do online shopping with my "Keycard" or do i need to get a Smart/Complete Access account that comes with the debit card?

Zek99 writes...

Can i do online shopping with my "Keycard" or do i need to get a Smart/Complete Access account that comes with the debit card?

Nope. You can not use bank key cards for online purchases.

You can either get the debit card or a credit card. They both come from your own money eventually I guess, and there are pros and cons from both. If you manage your money in various accounts, and don't risk losing too much in your main account, then a Smart/Complete Access account would be a good choice.

The fact that if you lose your card they can still take whatever money is on there ruins it for me :/

dannyboi HD writes...

So far so good. It's works exactly like a normal bank account, except you can use your funds anywhere that accepts credit cards.

yep, and debit cards have worked this way for 20 years. It's just now the big banks are interested in service (?) they've decided to meet the competition.

I cant believe some of the questions that are being asked on this thread. I shouldn't just assume that basic banking is common knowledge. All the banks have similar offerings and the accounts work basically the same.

The thing that i don't like about debit cards in general is that its too easy to sign for transactions. If my card is lost or stolen its too easy for a criminal to sign for a transaction....ever noticed how service station attendants rarely check the signatures and if fact 99% of the time the person checking doesn't really check it properly.
Now i know that as long as i have met the terms and conditions by signing the signature panel and not keeping my pin with the card I am covered. You will get a full refund of any funds fraudulently withdrawn. But problem it takes weeks and with a debit card its my hard cash thats affected.
I prefer a standard keycard that is pin protected and a credit card. If someone steals my credit card so what .... its the banks money that tied up and not my own cash......

Uprising writes...

If someone steals my credit card so what .... its the banks money that tied up and not my own cash......

but would you still need to make the monthly payment for the stolen funds, until that is determined, to avoid any chance of fees and interest accruing to your transactions for missed payments.

Tornado Red writes...

but would you still need to make the monthly payment for the stolen funds, until that is determined, to avoid any chance of fees and interest accruing to your transactions for missed payments.

I'm not sure if its the same policy for all banks but if there is a pending fraud investigation on a Westpac credit card, the disputed amount is put aside and no interest accrues. The disputed amount however is not added back to your available funds. You still need to make your minimum payment if you have other outstanding debts.
Basically if there is fraud they don't expect you till pay until it has been resolved and I doubt any bank would charge interest on a fraudulent transaction.

Is it better to apply online or in a branch?

Depends on what accounts/cards you have already – Like if you have a streamline account you can just 'migrate' to the Smart/Complete Access debit card.
You can opt to keep your keycard as well or just have the debit card replace it.

I got mine over a year ago during the pilot (being staff) and just applied through NetBank, its pretty quick and easy.

Hey guys,

I thought i'd revive this thread rather than create a new one for the same purpose.
I just applied for a debit mastercard (smart access) as I'd like to buy stuff online, but I think its going to create a new account entirely, not merge my current Streamline eAccess account — which means I'll have two accounts, and hence 2x monthly ($4) fees.

The thing is, with this new debit mastercard, will I still have the same BSB and account no? And is it possible to use both my old keycard and the new debit mastercard card (or would the previous one expire)?

Now it'd be great if I could have just one account, but it seems like I'll have two. The only positive I can think is that having two accounts would be more safer — I can have money deposited in my Streamline eAccess account and if I need to make internet purchases, I can transfer money from my streamline to my debit account...

But all this will end up costing me an extra $4 per month...what are your guys thoughts on this? Is it worth paying for a seperate bank account?

Any help would be much appreciated,
Cheers!

I had 2 accounts prior to applying for the debit master card. One was netsaver and the other was a normal streamline account. Once i applied for the mastercard the streamline seemed to merge and form the smart access, so i still only have 2 accounts.

Yes you will have the same BSB and account number u just get a new card with a new pin in addition to the one that u have now. So you can use both the keycards and the old one will NOT expire.

Hope that answers your question

I've banked with CBA for all my life, but I opened a St George account a few years ago because it and ANZ I think were the only ones at the time offering a Visa Debit card. I really would've liked to stick to the same bank, but that couldn't be helped. Now they have this, I think I'll stick to St George anyway – the account I have is low fees or in fact, if I press Credit when purchasing, I get no fees – the opposite of CBA by the sounds of it (how you get EFT fees I mean). Also, unlike my streamline account, the St George one NEVER lets it be overdrawn (only exception is monthly fees, if applicable). I have a feeling that the CBA one will be just like my streamline account, and charge $30 for overdrawn fees too. If it wasn't for the fact that CBA has branches Australia wide, I'd get rid of that account and just keep St George (yeah I know they're Westpac owned now, but I've never tried going into a Westpac bank and depositing into a St George account – can it be done?). And besides, I know my CBA BSB and Acct no off by heart (should do after having it all my life hehe), but still have no idea what my St G one is lol.

I dunno, I have 3 accounts; "streamline", Complete acess(Debit mastercard), and net bank. I've actually forgotten my debit master cards pin number as i never use it at the atm

Just applied to change my Streamline e-Access account to a Smart Access account for the Debit card. Any idea if I'd have to pay any extra charges on sites like Amazon? Thanks

teK. writes...

Just applied to change my Streamline e-Access account to a Smart Access account for the Debit card. Any idea if I'd have to pay any extra charges on sites like Amazon? Thanks

I believe so yes. Although I was doing this in the USA, so don't know if it's different.

So for day to day purchases like food, petrol, CBA ATM withdrawals etc should I be pressing Credit or Savings? I'm a little confused, I just don't want to pay any surcharges.

Sorry I probably confused you – I think upthread it said to press Savings for no charges for CBA cards. Perhaps someone who has a CBA MC Debit can give you a definite answer?

It will depend on the merchant.

If you press Credit, it will be processed as per any other credit card transaction. Credit card processing fees are much higher than EFTPOS fees – therefore in some cases the merchant will add on an extra ~2% to your purchase to counter the fees the payment gateway charges them. (ie. a "credit card surcharge").

By pressing Savings, it gets processed like any other EFTPOS. As fees for EFTPOS transactions are lower, merchants typically absorb the charges without passing them on.

Sorry for bumping an old thread.

I just need to ask one question. What happens if you spend over what is on your complete access account? Does it take the remaining funds from your accounting and overdrafts the rest? Or does it automatically overdraft the balance since there isn't enough funds in the account?

And if it overdrafts the account, what are the fees for overdraft and the maximum amount that can be overdrafted? I can't seem to find it on the CBA website.