ATM Reform - Frequently Asked Questions

What is ATM Reform?

On 3 March 2009, the Reserve Bank of Australia, together with the ATM industry, introduced reforms to the ATM system in Australia.
Now when you use an ATM that is outside your bank / financial institution's network (referred to as a "foreign ATM"), you may be charged a fee directly by the ATM owner. This is known as 'direct charging'.
The charge is referred to as an "ATM Operator Fee", "ATM Owner Fee", "Direct Charge", "Surcharge" or similar.

The amount of the ATM Operator Fee is determined by the ATM Owner, and disclosed at the time you make a transaction. You will be given the option to cancel the transaction without any charges being incurred, or if you choose to continue, you will be charged the fee directly to your account.

 

Why was ATM Reform introduced?

These changes have been developed by the ATM industry, together with the Reserve Bank of Australia, to give cardholders more choice and to increase the transparency of fees.

More information is available from:

• Australian Payments Clearing Association
• Reserve Bank of Australia

 

Which transactions are subject to an ATM Operator Fee?

ATM withdrawals and ATM balance enquiries conducted at a 'foreign ATM' may be subject to an ATM Operator Fee.

ATM Operators do not charge an ATM Operator Fee for any withdrawals or balance enquiries that are 'declined' or 'unsuccessful'.

ATM Reform does not affect EFTPOS transactions.

ATM Reform affects Australian cardholders using Australian ATMs only - it does not affect cardholders with cards issued overseas using Australian ATMs or Australian cardholders using ATMs overseas.

 

Does HSBC charge an ATM Operator fee for use of HSBC branded ATMs?

Only non-HSBC cardholders are subject to an ATM Operator Fee when they use HSBC branded ATMs. The fee amount will be disclosed at the time of the transaction giving the cardholder the option to cancel the transaction without any charges being incurred.

 

When did ATM Reform become effective?

Direct charging became effective on 3 March 2009.
For HSBC Cardholders, this means:

• HSBC Australia Visa Debit/ATM cards - changes are effective now
• HSBC Australia Visa Credit cards - changes are effective now
• HSBC Australia MasterCard Credit cards - changes are effective November 2009 (actual date to be confirmed by MasterCard).

 

What will ATM Reform mean for HSBC cardholders?

HSBC cardholders who use a 'foreign ATM' may be subject to an ATM Operator Fee by the ATM owner.

The good news is that HSBC cardholders can enjoy unlimited ATM transactions without incurring an ATM Operator Fee at all HSBC or Westpac, St.George  or BankSA^*** ATM nationally.

That means as an HSBC cardholder, you have access to almost 2,700 ATMs across the country where you won't be charged any ATM Operator Fees.
In addition, foreign ATM fees do not apply to Online Savings Accounts, HSBC Premier Cash Management Accounts and most other transactional accounts..

 

At what ATMs are HSBC cardholders subject to direct charging?

All HSBC cardholders:

• are NOT charged an ATM Operator Fee when using an HSBC ATM
• are NOT charged an ATM Operator Fee when using a Westpac, St.George or BankSA^*** ATM.
• MAY be charged an ATM Operator Fee when using an ATM that is not an HSBC, Westpac, St.George and BankSA^*** branded ATM. This fee is charged by the ATM Owner (not HSBC). HSBC cardholders have the option of cancelling the transaction without any charges being incurred.

 

Does the ATM arrangement with Westpac include St.George ATMs ?

As of 1 May 2009, the ATM arrangement will include St.George and BankSA^*** ATM's.

 

How can HSBC cardholders minimize ATM fees?

• Use one of almost 2,700 HSBC, Westpac, St.George or BankSA^*** ATMs nationally. Visit www.hsbc.com.au/info for a full current listing of HSBC, Westpac, St.George and BankSA^*** ATM locations nationally
• Plan ahead and limit your use of non HSBC, non Westpac, non St.George, and non BankSA^*** ATMs
• Withdraw extra cash when you use EFTPOS
• Use HSBC Internet Banking (www.hsbc.com.au) or Phone Banking (Banking enquiries: 1300 308 008 or Credit Card enquiries: 132 152) to check your account balance.

When does ATM Reform affect HSBC Credit Cardholders?

Direct charging became effective 3 March 2009.

For HSBC Credit Cardholders, this means:

• HSBC Australia Visa Credit cards - changes are effective now
• HSBC Australia MasterCard Credit cards - changes are effective November 2009 (actual date to be confirmed by MasterCard).

 

Why are HSBC Australia MasterCard Credit cards not impacted until November 2009?

Direct charging changes will not affect HSBC MasterCard Credit cardholders until MasterCard adopts ATM reform. This will not be until November 2009 (to be confirmed).

Until then, HSBC Australia MasterCard Credit cardholders can continue to transact at Australian ATMs without incurring any ATM Operator Fees.

 

Does the ATM arrangement with Westpac, St.George and BankSA allow HSBC Credit Cardholders to use Westpac, St.George and BankSA ATMs without incurring an ATM Operator Fee?

• HSBC Australia Visa credit cardholders are NOT charged an ATM Operator Fee when using an HSBC ATM, or any Westpac, St George or BankSA*** ATMs
• HSBC Australia Visa credit cardholders MAY be charged an ATM Operator Fee when using an ATM that is not an HSBC, Westpac, St.George or BankSA*** ATM. This fee is be charged by the ATM Owner (not HSBC). HSBC cardholders have the option of cancelling the transaction without any charges being incurred.
• HSBC Australia MasterCard Credit cardholders will not be affected by direct charging until MasterCard adopts ATM reform in November 2009 (exact date to be confirmed). Until then, HSBC Australia MasterCard Credit cardholders can continue to transact at Australian ATM's without incurring any ATM Operator Fees.

 

^***This does not include St.George and BankSA ATMs located at BP service stations