Community Service announcement to anyone who had the Bankwest Qantas Transaction account and planned to just keep on using the replacement Easy Transaction account.
I received a letter yesterday from Bank West stating they cancelled (not suspended) my debit card for not being used for 12 months; even though the linked transaction account has had deposits and withdrawals every month and the card was still valid for another 3 years.
There was no warning that debit card would be cancelled, the letter was dated 3rd Sept but only arrived yesterday (17 Sept) and the post mark on the envelope shows it was only mailed on 12th Sept. Further the letter says to request a new card via the app, something which is only possible in online banking and not via the app.
Spoke with online agent. They said card was cancelled due to end of Qantas account, and that if I had been using my card regularly (as opposed to the account it was linked to) then I would have automatically been sent a replacement BUT because Id not made a çash withdrawal nor a purchase using the physical card in the last 12months, it was deemed I did not require a physical card.
A pain bcause its a 10 day wait for a new card (luckily Im not going overseas in that period), as the only time I ever use a physical debit card is when Im travelling overseas. In Australia I have zero need for cash or debit card; as everything here can be paid by credit card or paypal or direct deposit online.
I have gone into app and ordered a new card this evening but have been advised that its up to me to ensure I use the physical card if I dont want to see it cancelled again within 12 months, and it is not their policy to warn you. Also that BankWest can only reactive a card if its been less than 5 days since it was cancelled (if you find out in time).
So if you didnt use your Bank West debit often its worth checking it hasnt been cancelled.