All about BasicsCard transactions

When it comes to customers using their BasicsCard, they use it in the same way as other EFTPOS cards.

The BasicsCard is swiped through the EFTPOS terminal. The customer selects “Savings"—and remember, they have to be the authorised cardholder.

They then enter their 4-digit PIN.

As with any EFTPOS transaction, your EFTPOS terminal will say whether the transaction has been approved or declined.

If the transaction has been approved, give the customer their goods and their EFTPOS receipt and make sure you give them their BasicsCard back. If your shop sells excluded goods and services you’ll also need to give them an itemised receipt and keep a record of that receipt for two years. You shouldn’t keep the customer’s BasicsCard even if they ask you to.

If your customer’s BasicsCard transaction is declined they may need to pay another way.

Their BasicsCard can be declined for a number of reasons:

  • your customer may have made a mistake entering their PIN. You can ask them to re-enter it, if they’ve forgotten their PIN, tell them to contact us
  • they may have insufficient funds on their BasicsCard
  • they may have gone over their BasicsCard daily spending limit, or
  • they might be using an inactive or suspended card

Another reason the BasicsCard might not work is if the EFTPOS terminal you’re using hasn’t yet been activated by us.

To activate new terminals, call the Helpdesk on 1800 039 417.

If your customer has insufficient funds or they’ve gone over their daily spending limit, you can suggest they check their BasicsCard balance.

Customers can check their card balance 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

  • by using the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app, or
  • by calling 1800 057 111 – that’s a free number from landlines and from some mobile services

Customers can also check their balance:

  • by using a BasicsCard balance checking kiosk – these are in some places in the Northern Territory, or
  • by visiting a Service Centre or an Agent

Two final reminders:

If your EFTPOS system is down, customers can’t use their BasicsCard.

And if the EFTPOS system says “approved with signature” you’ll need to cancel and try again.

If you have any questions, call our Helpdesk on 1800 039 417.