People's Choice Credit Union - Got a question about your everyday banking?

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Everyday Banking
Transaction Account Changes

Everyday Banking
1. How do I become a member of People's Choice Credit Union?
  You can become an People's Choice Credit Union member by buying a refundable $2 share.
  
  Your $2 share gives you part ownership in People's Choice Credit Union and allows you access to our wide range of services. It also lets you vote at our annual election of Directors.
  
  You can open a membership at your nearest People's Choice Credit Union branch and will need to make sure you have your identification documents with you.
  
  If you are unable to visit an People's Choice Credit Union branch or would prefer to open your membership at a Bank@Post Australia Post outlet, please call us on 13 11 82 for details.
  
  What documents do I need to be identified?
  
  The law requires us to verify your identity when you open an Account or Membership or when you become a signatory to an Account or Membership.
  
  The documents required for identification purposes can be one or a combination of identification pieces as required under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (2006).
  
  When you visit a branch or Bank@Post outlet to become a member, please bring the following document/s with you:
  
  Primary Documents with photograph
  - Current Drivers Licence
  - Australian Passport (current or <2 years expired)
  - Current Foreign Passport
  - Student ID Card
  - Proof of Age Card (issued under law of an Australian State or Territory)
  - NSW Photo Card (Issued by NSW Road Transport Authority)
  - Current Firearms Licence
  - Indigenous Community Photo ID Card
  Primary documents without photograph
  - Australian Birth Certificate or Extract
  - Australian Citizenship Certificate
  - Pension Card (issued by Australian Government for financial benefits)
  - Health Care Card (Issued by Centrelink)
  - Veterans Affairs Concession Card
  Secondary Documents
  - Utility Bills (current within last 3 months)
  - Council Rates (current within last 3 months)
  - Australian Taxation Notice (current within last 12 months)
  - Government Notice recording financial benefits (current within last 12 months)
  - Bank Statement (current within last 3 months)
  - Electoral Commission records
  - Housing Trust records
  - Children (under 18 years) - letter from school specifying name of child, currently residential address and period of time child attended the school (current within last 3 months)
  At least one of the documents you provide must contain your photograph or signature. There may be other acceptable ways to prove your identity. For more information please contact us. The new regulations require all identification to be current.
  
  The same rules apply to becoming a signatory to an existing Account or Membership.
  
  If you change your name, for example, upon marriage, you will need to give us suitable evidence. We will give you guidance on how to go about this.
2. Do you have any special arrangements for older members?
  
  Yes, members aged 55 and over are eligible for our Club 55 account which has high credit interest rates and generous fee benefits.
3. Can I use Internet Banking if I don't have access to the internet?
  
  We provide access to Internet Banking at all of our branches if you don't have access to the internet at work or at home. We also offer members advice and training on Internet Banking if they need it.
4. Are there any hidden fees?
  
  No, there are no hidden fees. Having the wrong product for your banking needs can result in fees, such as excess withdrawal fees. Check that you're using the right account for your banking needs. Visit the Disclosure Documents section for details on our transaction fees. You can also visit your nearest branch or call 13 11 82.
5. What is the Visa card fee?
  
  Visa credit cards carry a $40 annual fee (per account). For one low annual fee you can have one, two or more credit cards attached to your account. The fee is not included in your monthly transaction fee allowance.
  
  Visa debit cards have no annual fee.
6. What documents do I need to be identified?
  The law requires us to verify your identity when you open an Account or Membership or when you become a signatory to an Account or Membership.
  
  The documents required for identification purposes can be one or a combination of identification pieces as required under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (2006).
  
  When you visit a branch or Bank@Post outlet to become a member, please bring the following document/s with you:
  
  Primary Documents with photograph
  - Current Drivers Licence
  - Australian Passport (current or <2 years expired)
  - Current Foreign Passport
  - Student ID Card
  - Proof of Age Card (issued under law of an Australian State or Territory)
  - NSW Photo Card (Issued by NSW Road Transport Authority)
  - Current Firearms Licence
  - Indigenous Community Photo ID Card
  Primary Documents without photograph
  - Australian Birth Certificate or Extract
  - Australian Citizenship Certificate
  - Pension Card (issued by Australian Government for financial benefits)
  - Health Care Card (Issued by Centrelink)
  - Veterans Affairs Concession Card
  Secondary Documents
  - Utility Bills (current within last 3 months)
  - Council Rates (current within last 3 months)
  - Australian Taxation Notice (current within last 12 months)
  - Government Notice recording financial benefits (current within last 12 months)
  - Bank Statement (current within last 3 months)
  - Electoral Commission records
  - Housing Trust records
  - Children (under 18 years) - letter from school specifying name of child, currently residential address and period of time child attended the school (current within last 3 months)
  At least one of the documents you provide must contain your photograph or signature. There may be other acceptable ways to prove your identity. For more information please contact us. The new regulations require all identification to be current.
  
  The same rules apply to becoming a signatory to an existing Account or Membership.
  
  If you change your name, for example, upon marriage, you will need to give us suitable evidence. We will give you guidance on how to go about this.
7. What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?
  
  If your card is lost or stolen during business hours, call us on 13 11 82 or visit your nearest branch as soon as possible. We can cancel your current card and arrange for a new card to be mailed to you.
  
  Outside of business hours, call the Visa 24 hour hotline on 1800 648 027. You'll then need to contact us to arrange for a new card to be sent.
  
  If you're overseas when you lose your card, please contact us on +61 2 8299 9101. If you need to arrange for an emergency Visa card to be issued to you, visit the Visa website to find the contact details for each country.
  
  There may be a fee for ordering a replacement card. Refer to our Disclosure documents for more details.
8. There's a transaction I don't recognise on my account. What should I do?
  
  If there are unauthorised transactions on your account, contact us as soon as possible, as we will need to cancel and re-issue your card.
  
  You will then need to complete a Visa Card Transaction Enquiry form. As soon as we receive this form we will begin investigating the transactions in question and may contact you for more details.
  
  A fee may apply for this investigation, but will be reimbursed if the transaction is deemed to be unauthorised. Refer to our Disclosure documents for more details.
  
  Depending on the complexity of the investigation, it may take up to 45 days to resolve your enquiry.
9. My card has been captured by an ATM. What should I do?
  
  You will need to contact us to arrange for a new card, as captured cards are not returned to People's Choice Credit Union.
  
  There may be a fee for ordering a replacement card. Refer to our Disclosure documents for more details.
10. What is People's Choice Credit Union's BSB?
  
  Our BSB number is 805-050. Previously Savings & Loans used a different BSB number. Transactions made using this BSB number will now be redirected automatically through the new number.
11. How do I change my contact details?
  
  If you are registered for Internet Banking you can change your email, address or phone number online using the tools tab. You can also change your contact details by completing a change of address form.
  
  To change your name or any other details, visit your nearest branch or call 13 11 82.
12. What is Responsible Lending?
  
  At People's Choice Credit Union we understand that credit is a very important facility which allows you to achieve your personal, financial or lifestyle goals faster than you could if you had to rely on your savings alone.
  
  As a mutually owned financial institution we embrace our responsibility to understand your personal situation when we make recommendations regarding providing, extending or arranging credit for you. This is to ensure you are reasonably likely to meet the obligations you have in respect of repaying the debt and avoid experiencing financial stress.
  
  But we recognise that situations may change from time to time which may inhibit your ability to meet your credit repayment obligations. We understand the pressures that you and your family may experience during these difficult times and we work with you to find a mutually acceptable solution to aid in your overall debt management strategies and to continue to work with you to achieve your financial goals.
13. What are the opening hours for People's Choice Credit Union branches?
  
  The opening hours for all of our branches can be found in our services locator, located on the Branches & ATMs page of our website. Search for your nearest branch using a suburb name or postcode and click on the branch symbol for specific branch information such as opening hours or street address.
14. I've received a phone call or an email that asks for my personal details, what should I do?
  
  People's Choice Credit Union will never call or email you to ask for confirmation of your password, PIN or account details. We will never send an email containing a link to our Internet Banking page or request that you verify your account status.
  
  Be wary of any phone calls of this nature and emails with links from unknown senders, and delete any unsolicited emails immediately, without responding. If you believe your details may have been compromised by a vishing phone call or phishing email, contact us as soon as possible.
15. How do I open an account?
  
  You can open an account using by visiting your nearest branch or calling our National Contact Centre on 13 11 82.
16. Can I set up recurring payments and direct debits?
  
  These can be set up easily via Internet Banking, please see the Internet Banking Guide for more information. If you do not have Internet Banking set up, you can arrange recurring payments and direct debits at your nearest branch or by calling the National Contact Centre on 13 11 82.
17. Where can I find my account number?
  
  Your account number can be found on Internet Banking by clicking on the Accounts tab or on your paper statement or eStatement. If you are unable to locate your account number, visit your nearest branch or call 13 11 82 and a staff member can look it up for you.
18. How do I check my account balance?
  
  You can check your account balance using Internet, Phone or SMS Banking, or by visiting your nearest rediATM or branch.
19. What are Reward Benefits and how can I earn them?
  
  Open an Everyday Account, Offset or Line of Credit and receive reward benefits every time you pay for goods using your Visa Debit Card, when you select the 'Credit' option or when you pay a bill using BPAY®.
  
  Reward Benefits can be paid direct to you or you can nominate any one of our participating charities to receive them and help us to support worthwhile social causes.
20. Can I save up my free monthly allowance?
  
  No, free monthly allowances are not cumulative. They are calculated each month and recommence on the first day of each month.
21. How do I change my designated transaction charges posting account?
  
  Visit your nearest branch or call us on 13 11 82.
Transaction Account Changes
1. Why is this change being made to my accounts? Why can’t I just keep my accounts as they are now?
  
  The changes to your transaction account aim to make your banking simpler as you no longer have to keep track of the number of transactions that you make each month, plus you have the security of a flat monthly fee.
  
  If you are a Business account holder you now have a greater number of allowed transactions each month before standard transaction fees apply.
2. I have more than one transaction account. Will I be charged $6 for every account?
  
  Yes, this change will convert all transaction accounts for personal members between the ages 25-54 to an Everyday account. The Everyday account has a $6 monthly fee; however, this fee will be waived if you meet certain qualifying criteria (outlined below) and in other circumstances (e.g. you hold a Home Loan Package product).
3. I have not used that account in a long time and/or was not aware I still had that account. Can I close the account and not be charged this fee?
  
  Yes, we encourage members to close individual accounts that are not in use and review their current accounts to ensure they meet their current needs. No fee will be charged if the account is closed before the transition date.
4. If Visa Debit is no longer a fee free qualifying criterion is there any benefit to holding the card? Will I still be charged a $15 annual fee?
  
  The Visa Debit card provides greater security and access than our rediCARD PLUS cards and you may now be able to earn Reward Benefits on Visa Debit card purchases. You can find out more about Reward Benefits below.
  
  From March 2013, you will no longer be charged the $15 Visa Debit card annual fee. However, if you are looking to take out a rediCARD PLUS card instead, you will be charged an annual fee of $5.
5. I am a Home Loan Package / Line of Credit member and do not pay any monthly fees. Will this be retained?
  
  Yes, the monthly fee waiver will continue. Given the account name and terms & conditions will be changing, we needed to advise you of the changes despite there being no change in fees. You do not need to take any action.
6. I have not been charged monthly fees since integration* as I a) met the qualifying criteria on my Cheers account in the month prior to integration, or b) was a Flexiplan member in the month prior to integration. Will this be retained?
  
  In most cases, no. The Product Variation Schedule provided to all members stated that this benefit would be reviewed after 12 months. This review is now complete and the decision has been made to transfer these accounts to our regular offering. This fee will be waived however if you meet certain qualifying criteria (outlined below). Alternatively, there a number of options available including reviewing the number of accounts you require, swapping the transaction account over to an alternative product or closing the affected transaction account.
  
  *Integration refers to the merger of the Credit Union's computer systems in early 2011.
7. With the number of transactions I am allowed on my plan each month I am currently able to avoid paying any fees. This change will mean that I am charged $6 a month. What are my options?
  
  These changes enable the majority of members to cap their fees, providing the freedom to transact without keeping track of the number of transactions and enjoy Reward Benefits (outlined below).
  
  There are a number of options available including reviewing the number of accounts you require, swapping the transaction account over to an alternative product, closing the affected transaction account or taking out another product to meet the fee free qualifying criteria (outlined below).
8. Why does my account have to be transferred to a Business account?
  
  Our range of transaction products is designed to meet the needs of each type of member. Our Business accounts are designed specifically to provide our non-personal members with an award-winning, highly competitive account with more free transactions and the ability to earn interest. As your account has been identified as an account transacting for business purposes we will be swapping it over to our Business Access account.
9. I have never been told about the Everyday account/Club 55/Activate account in the past. Does this mean I am entitled to a reimbursement of fees as I could have been better off?
  
  We have communicated our product offerings on a number of occasions and members have had the opportunity to review their account holdings since our merger in late 2009. These included the Member Information Document for the vote on the merger and our Product Variation Schedule issued in late 2010. Many members have since reviewed their accounts and have moved to our new structures.
  
  We have also been actively promoting our Club 55 and Activate accounts through a number of advertising campaigns. Given the Activate Account is a new product, all existing members that qualified for Activate due to their age were sent a letter informing them of the new product and they were invited to switch.
10. I already have a Club 55 account that covers my fees on all of my accounts. Why am I being notified of a change?
  
  Heritage Australian Central Credit Union members were on an alternate version of our Club 55 account which had different fee benefits for other transaction and savings accounts. This change brings together all Club 55 accounts.
  
  As this change also affects the fees charged on certain savings accounts, it may be a good opportunity to review any existing savings accounts to ensure they meet your current needs.
11. I will end up with multiple accounts with the same name. Will I be able to change the name of my account?
  
  Yes, you can customise the name of your accounts to make it easier for you to determine which account is which.
12. I have already customised the names of my accounts. Will these names be retained after the changes are made?
  
  Yes, all existing customised names will be retained on conversion to the new products.
13. Will any of my account linkages or account order change on my cards, Internet Banking, Phone Banking or statements?
  
  There will be no change to any of the set up for cards, Internet Banking or Phone Banking and your account numbers will remain the same. The order in which your accounts are listed on your statement may change.
14. What are the fee free qualifying criteria?
  If you meet three or more of the following criteria you will not be charged the $6 monthly Everyday Account fee:
  - Home Loan¹ Investment Loan¹ or Line of Credit¹
  - Personal Loan¹
  - Home/Vehicle Insurance through People’s Choice Credit Union
  - Member for 25+ years
  - Minimum monthly balance across transaction and savings accounts of $2,500 or more
  - Mortgage Repayment Insurance
  - Mutual Aid on your Personal Loan
  - Term Investment balance $5,000 or greater^{^}
  - Aged 23 years or under
  - Visa Credit Card^*
  - Financial Planning^#
  - Eligible Pension^**
  ¹ Loan must be drawn down or Line of Credit limit in use.
  ^{^} Existing Term Investments with balances of $2,500 + will be honoured.
  * Business Credit Card accounts excluded
  ^#Financial Planning is recognised where you have an ongoing relationship with
  People’s Choice Financial Planning area (Financial Solutions in WA).
  ** Eligible government pensions such as Disability Support Pension and Widow’s Pension are considered, contact us for more details. Evidence must be provided in writing or by way of the applicable benefit concession card.
15. What are the Rewards Benefits?
  Reward Benefits are paid when you make an eligible transaction on an eligible account.
  
  Eligible accounts:
  - Everyday Account
  - Line of Credit
  - Offset Account
  Eligible Transactions:
  - Visa ‘credit’ transaction- $0.05 per transaction
  - BPAY payment- $0.10 per transaction
  Members can elect to have their Reward Benefit paid out to their account on a monthly basis on can opt to donate these funds to one of our 8 nominated charities.

® Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518

Everyday Banking

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