Allowing you to access your cash via the Westpac Choice account, your Westpac Choice Debit Mastercard makes it easy to shop online and in person. ATM withdrawals are fee-free across Australia, and worldwide when using Global Alliance Partner ATMs.
What’s great?
Thinking about opening a Westpac Choice account? This could be the time to do it. In this review, we’ll dig into the Westpac Choice account and its Debit Mastercard, so you can decide whether this combo is what you need.
Exclusive Offers & Discounts
More than just a bank account, the Westpac Choice account features exclusive discounts, cashbacks and deals from a wide range of partnering retailers. You can access savings across travel, entertainment, fashion, everyday shopping, and more. To find out what offers are currently available, simply sign in to Online Banking and go to Rewards & Offers.
ATM Access
Using the Westpac Choice Debit Mastercard gives you direct access to your cash via ATM, while allowing you to pay for stuff online and in person, anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
No card? No problem. You can get a digital version of your debit card in the Westpac app which you can use instantly, 24/7 to make online and in-store purchases and set up payments. The card also syncs with your smartphone and wearable wallets.
With this card, there are no ATM withdrawal fees to worry about when using any major bank ATM in Australia, or when using more than 50,000 ATMs around the world via the Global ATM Alliance and partner ATMs.
Left your wallet at home? You can also utilise Cardless Cash to withdraw cash from any Westpac, St.George, BankSA or Bank of Melbourne ATM using the Westpac Mobile Banking App.
Managing Your Money
The Westpac Mobile Banking App offers other handy features that can help you manage your money more effectively. For example, if your card is lost or stolen, you can put your card on hold instantly using the app. With instant funds transfers, you can also get paid or transfer money in near real time, using just your mobile number.
Digital Wallet Compatibility
The Westpac Choice card comes with a digital version that allows you to instantly access your money or when making online transactions such as shopping, bill payments, and more. This feature is very convenient while you are still waiting for your physical card to arrive or when you don't have your card on hand (lost or stolen).
You can also link this to your mobile or wearable wallet for more accessibility. Whether you’re going for a quick jog, or just running out to the shops, you can leave your wallet at home thanks to the Westpac Choice Debit Mastercard’s compatibility with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay.
Security
As you would expect from a big bank, the Westpac Choice Debit Mastercard offers all the latest debit card technology. With Card on Hold, you can temporarily lock your card if you misplace it. Your card is also backed by Westpac’s 24/7 fraud monitoring and Fraud Money Back Guarantee, the Safe Online Banking guarantee, and Westpac Protect SMS Code.
Additionally, the Westpac Digital Card comes with a dynamic security code feature. To safeguard your details, the Westpac app generates a new 3-digit security number every 24 hours which you can use to make one-off purchases or to set up recurring payments.
Spend&Save
Aged between 18-29? When you save and spend with a Westpac Life savings account and a Westpac Choice bank account, you could earn up to 5.20% p.a. variable interest on your savings (on balances up to $30,000 in your Westpac Life savings account). Check out Westpac’s terms for more.
What’s worth considering?
As standard, Westpac charges a $5 monthly fee to all Westpac Choice account holders. However, this fees is waived if you:
- Deposit at least $2,000 into your account each month, OR
- Are under the age of 30 or a full-time tertiary student, OR
- Hold an Australian Pensioner Concession or Health Care Card, OR
- Are new to Australia or are an expatriate customer (for the first 12 months)
Other fees worth mentioning relate to overseas spending. You’ll pay a $5 withdrawal fee when accessing your cash outside the Global Alliance network of ATMs. Luckily, you can use the Westpac app to locate a fee-free ATM to avoid any charges. Transactions made in a foreign currency- come with a fee of 2.2% or 3% depending on where the merchant is located.
Why should you choose it?
If you like the idea of opening an everyday account with one of the Big Four banks, the Westpac Choice account certainly has plenty to offer. The accompanying Westpac Choice Debit Mastercard syncs with a range of digital wallets, features, money-saving extras, and comes with a functional, easy-to-use app.
Note that the minimum age to open a Westpac bank account is 14 years old. Similarly, the minimum age for initiating a joint account is also 14. Children under the age of 14 can establish an account in person at a branch, and there must always be at least one authorized signatory on their account. To qualify for a Debit Mastercard, individuals must be at least 14 years old and possess an Australian residential address. For children between the ages of 12 and 13, applying for a Handycard in-branch to access their account is an option, but they need parent approval to get one.
JOHN DAY
December 21, 2023CAN I DEPOSIT A SET AMOUNT TO PAY MONTHLY COST AND TOP UP THE CARD WHEN BALANCE GETS LOW
admin
January 1, 2024Hi John, you are free to use your Westpac Choice account as you would like to. Of course within the terms set out by Westpac.
Gillian Tanks
July 18, 2023What interest rate is paid to my Westpac Choice account?
admin
July 21, 2023Hi Gillian, the Westpac Choice account doesn’t earn interest. You’ll need to open a high-interest account to earn interest, like the Virgin Money Go Account which earns 5.35% p.a. on your savings. Thanks Gillian!
Danielle
October 5, 2022so every month i will get $5 taken from my account?
admin
November 16, 2022Hi Danielle, it seems you’re referring to the $5 account-keeping fee. This is actually waived if you’re under 30 years of age, or have deposited at least $2000 per month, or hold a health care card, or you’re new to Australia. For further information, you can call Westpac at 132 032.
Theresa
May 21, 2022When i used mt mastercard debit card at an atm, do i push cheque or credit button? If i push savings,it tells me there,,s an error and i have no savings sccount
admin
June 7, 2022Hi Theresa, usually when you hit savings your bank should route the transaction to be authorised. You can try hitting the credit option, or contact Westpac directly to find out more.
Rajka Bazdaric
December 26, 2019Is insurance attached to this card?
admin
December 31, 2019Hi Rajka, there are no complimentary insurances attached to the Westpac Choice debit card and account. Have a look at the NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card – it comes with a range of complimentary insurances.
John Carlton Levy
September 27, 2019which button to press at the ATM with the debit card to access 55 and over a/c.
John Carlton Levy
September 18, 2019which selection button to use at an ATM