Banking safer during COVID-19

With COVID-19 changing life for just about everyone, 92 year-old Reg from Belmont recently swapped his passbook over for a Visa Debit card* to save on trips into the branch and to access his money in more convenient ways.

“I’m 92 years old and to save me going back and forth to the branch I swapped my passbook over for a debit card,” Reg said.

“I also found that some of the places I was going to weren’t taking cash due to COVID-19. Since getting a card, I’ve been able to use it at supermarkets which has made it a lot easier to do my shopping.”

After calling Newcastle Permanent’s contact centre, Reg was able to convert his account over the phone and set up internet banking with help from staff at his local branch.

“I’d strongly recommend other people swap over to a debit card. It saves you having to carry your passbook around and you can pay bills over the phone which is really helpful while we’re staying at home during COVID-19.”

While it might seem complicated, converting to a debit card should only take a few minutes and it doesn’t change the account number or any of the credits and debits attached to the passbook. With a debit card, you have easier access to your money and the added option of setting up internet banking to manage your transactions from home.

“I’ve been a customer with Newcastle Permanent for as long as I can remember and have always found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. Nothing is a trouble and you can easily find out the information you need without being redirected to another number,” Reg said.

Benefits of swapping your passbook for a debit card:

• Convenient withdrawals at ATMs

• Pay your bills over the phone

• Tap to pay at the supermarket or service station

• Enhanced security.