FAQ

Most popular questions...

• What options are available to me if I can't pay my People's Choice loan or credit card?

  A range of solutions are available to members who might be going through financial hardship. We can tailor a plan depending on individual circumstances, and advise you of organisations who may be able to help.

• Will my credit rating be affected if I access assistance?

  Getting on top of your financial difficulties early is the best way to make sure your credit history remains in good condition. Get in touch with us as soon as you think you might have difficulty meeting your repayments so we can start working together on a solution.

• I'm worried that I won't be able to repay my People's Choice loan or credit card. What should I do? 

  You should get in touch with us as soon as possible if you think you might have trouble meeting your financial commitments. You don`t have to wait until you are overdue.We'll then work with you to tailor a plan that helps you stay on top of your repayments. You can call People's Choice Credit Union on 08 8124 2148 or visit your local branch and speak to one of our friendly staff.

• Who do I contact If I'm having financial difficulty meeting my People's Choice loan or credit card repayments ?

  You can call People's Choice Credit Union on 08 8124 2148  or email us at [email protected] or visit your local branch and speak to one of our friendly staff.

• If my account is not interest free eligible how can I make it interest free eligible?

  You will need to pay the closing balance of your account as it was on the last day of the previous calendar month in full, and once this is done your interest free eligibility will be regained and interest will stop accruing on any purchases that form part of your unpaid daily balance, from the date you make this payment (until your account ceases to be interest free eligible again). This can be done at any time during the month. Interest accrued up until the eligibility is regained will be charged at the end of the month.

More questions...

• What is Verified by Visa?

  Verified by Visa has recently been renamed to Visa Secure. Visa Secure is a service that automatically sends a One Time Password to your mobile phone, to authenticate the purchaser and protect your card against unauthorised use.

• I'm after some information on managing payments to my People's Choice loan or credit card. Who do I call?

  You can call People's Choice Credit Union on 08 8124 2148 . For more information, visit the Customer-Owned Banking Association website or you can call The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and independent financial counsellor.

• What is the Visa Credit Card fee?

  Visa Credit Card Accounts carry a $59 annual fee. This fee is waived if you have a home loan, One to One or financial planning relationship with us or if you are under 25 years old and hold an Activate Account.

  Visa debit cards have no annual fee.

• What is an overlimit fee?

  An arrears/overlimit fee is charged where you overdraw your account past an approved credit or overdraft limit or, if you have no approved limit, overdraw your account. This fee is charged if you remain overdrawn 20 days or more. To avoid this fee we recommend you monitor your transactions to ensure your account does not become overdrawn and settle any overdrawn balances as soon as possible. Debit interest also applies to overdrawn and overlimit balances. Overlimit fees do not apply to credit card accounts.

• 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.

• What is a credit limit?

  A credit limit is the maximum amount that People's Choice Credit Union has approved for you to borrow.

  Credit limits should be carefully monitored to ensure that you do not exceed your designated amount. To ensure that you do not exceed your limit, you may find it helpful to keep a pocket notebook with you to write down your purchases. You can also check balances regularly via Phone, Internet Banking and Mobile Banking , noting sometimes there may be purchases still to be processed to your account.

  SMS Banking is also available to help you keep in touch with your finances. You can check your accounts whenever and wherever you want simply by using your mobile phone, another way to ensure you don't overspend. Refer to our terms and conditions for more information on SMS Banking.

• Are smart chip Visa cards secure?

  Yes, the smart chip provides the highest level of protection against counterfeiting, card skimming and other fraudulent use as the microchip is virtually impossible to copy.

• What is a cash advance? 

  A cash advance is an option cardholders can use to withdraw cash against their approved credit limit. Receiving a cash advance can simply be a matter of using a credit card at the nearest ATM.

  Please note that there are no interest free days that apply on cash advances, interest charges are incurred from day one. Fees and charges apply to a cash advance. Refer to our Disclosure documents for more details.

• What are non interest free transactions on a credit card?

  Non interest free withdrawals include:

  • Cash withdrawals
  • Any transfer from the account
  • Corporate cheque withdrawals
• How do I pay off my credit card so that I am eligible for up to 62 interest free days?

  You have until 5.00pm (CST) on the last calendar day of the month to pay the balance from the previous month in full to receive the benefits of up to 62 interest free days on eligible transactions.

  This can be done during business hours, or on a Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday.

• How can I request to reduce my credit limit or terminate my credit card or overdraft contract?

  You can use this website to request a reduction in your credit limit to an amount that equals or exceeds the minimum credit limit for your credit card or overdraft or to request to terminate your credit card or overdraft contract.  To do this, please click here to lodge a SecureMail request via Internet Banking. Alternatively, enter the information and follow the instructions on the web form request via this website by clicking here, visit your local branch or contact us on 13 11 82.

• Why have I been charged interest on my credit card?

  You may have been charged interest for the following reasons:

  • A cash advance has been made
  • An electronic transfer has been debited from the account
  • An overseas cash withdrawal was done
  • There was a late payment made to the account
  • The full end of the month balance was not paid.

  To reduce interest charges, try paying more than your minimum repayment each month. The more you pay off your balance, the less interest you will be charged. If you pay off your whole balance by the due date, you won't be charged any interest at all on eligible transactions.

  Interest is calculated on the daily balances but not charged until the last calendar day of the month.