ATM DIRECT CHARGING
ATM Direct Charging
From 3 March 2009 ATM Direct Charging will be introduced on every ATM in Australia. Every time a cardholder uses an ATM that does not belong to their financial institution – a foreign ATM – a message will appear on screen showing how much the ATM Owner will charge to use the ATM. At this point cardholders can accept the fee and continue with the transaction, or decline the fee and cancel the transaction at no cost.
Cashcard, as the ATM owner, has the ability to set the Direct Charge fee. Changes to the screens on Cashcard ATMs will be implemented on the 3rd March 2009 automatically to allow for this change.
What will appear on the ATM screen
On the 3rd March 2009, your ATM will automatically be updated for Direct Charging. A new screen will be included offering cardholders the ability to accept or decline the direct charge fee, as demonstrated below.
Answering your questions about Direct Charging
What is Direct Charging?
Direct Charging is a transparent way of charging for “foreign ATM” transactions. Direct Charging provides cardholders with an established understanding of how much they will be charged by the ATM owner for a foreign ATM transaction. Direct Charging is also known as an ATM owner fee.
Why is Direct Charging being introduced?
The Reserve Bank and the ATM Industry have been working together to improve transparency of foreign ATM fees and increase competition which in turn will drive better ATM services in Australia.
When will the changes start?
From 3rd March 2009.
What is a foreign ATM?
A cardholder who uses an ATM which does not belong to their own bank is completing a “foreign ATM” transaction.
How is Direct Charging different to the current system?
Currently, cardholders are charged a fee for using a foreign ATM, with the fee appearing on their regular statement at the end of the month.
From the 3rd March, when Direct Charging is implemented, cardholders will instead see a Direct Charge fee on the ATM screen.
What does this mean for my customers?
Any cardholder who uses an ATM in Australia that is not operated by the financial institution they bank with will be required to pay a Direct Charge (or ATM owner fee). The fee will appear on the screen and customers can then choose to continue with the transaction, and pay the fee, or cancel the transaction and pay no fee.
Which transactions will incur a Direct Charge?
A cardholder who requests a balance enquiry or withdrawal will be charged a fee. However, there is no Direct Charge on a declined transaction.
How much will the Direct Charge fee be?
Cashcard, as the owner of the ATM is responsible for setting the Direct Charge fee.
Cashcard will initially set a standard fee on all ATMs, that is the same across the entire Cashcard network regardless of location and time of day.
Why is the fee displayed on the screen?
By displaying the fee upfront, cardholders can choose to accept or decline the fee before continuing the transaction.
Will transactions take longer now?
The changes will only add a few more seconds to the time it takes to make an ATM transaction.
How will cardholders learn about these changes?
Banks should be communicating information on Direct Charging to their cardholders.
If you would like to speak with a Cashcard sales representative about Direct Charging, please call our dedicated helpline on 1300 655 627 or alternatively email sales@cashcard.com.au
Security of your ATM
First Data, owner of the Cashcard ATM services network, takes security seriously, and has taken great steps to fully understand all aspects of ATM security requirements.
As an ATM service provider, First Data regularly participates in industry discussions with security and industry experts relating to regulatory requirements and the establishment of new technologies to combat ATM theft.
Since inception of the ATMIA association, First Data has been a member and active participant for ATM security initiatives. First Data, together with over 700 financial institution members, have drafted the ATMIA International Best Practice Guidelines for Physical ATM Security. This document is widely recognised throughout the industry as setting the benchmark for ATM best practice.
Security – it’s in your hands
It is important to note that, in most instances, once an ATM is installed on premises, merchants are responsible for security arrangements. First Data has put together a checklist, in consultation with our cash servicing partners, that we recommend merchants use when determining security requirements of their premises.
- Position. When considering the position of the ATM within the premises Cashcard will assist with this determination during the implementation phase.
- Perform a risk assessment. Any additional security requirements should be based on the appropriate level of security as determined by a risk assessment.
- Install an alarm. Often the simplest deterrent is the best, therefore it is recommended that merchants install an alarm that includes back to base monitoring and duress buttons as a minimum.
- Determine escalation procedures. If an alarm is already installed or a third party has been contracted to secure your premises, ensure that escalation procedures are prepared in the event of a security breach. If everyone is aware of what to do in an incident, you may save valuable time reporting incidents that can assist police investigations.
- De-cash your machine (if it is not cash serviced by Cashcard). Fill the ATM with cash sufficient for one day/session trading only. At the end of your trading day it is recommended that you de-cash your ATM and leave the door open to the ATM, and security container (safe) within, if the device is only a business hours device. Where cash is left in the ATM ensure that the combination locks are secured and where applicable the alarms are set after hours.
It is good practice that during replenishment of the ATM the premises are locked and customers excluded.
- Signage as a deterrent. Advertise that you do not keep cash on premises outside trading hours. Signage is available from your alarm company.
- Consult regularly with your security provider. If you are located within a shopping centre, we recommend you consult with Centre Management to determine after-hours security arrangements and confirm that these are acceptable for your premises. If you have contracted a third party to secure your premises, ensure you consult with them regularly on trends and new technology.
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