Frequently Asked Questions

Is it just like e-purse?
The AnswerNo, the advantage with Pre-Authorized Debit is it utilises the EMV infrastructure and so provides access to the global network already available.

What is the difference between Pre-Authorized Debit and Pre-Paid?
The AnswerThe pre-paid card covers a range of guises, from travel money cards, to gift cards. These are not always scheme based and are generally within a closed network related to a specific retailer.

Can you "Top-up" the monies on the card?
The AnswerYes, monies can be easily topped up via ATM and EFTPoS terminals. The monies are then "ring-fenced" onto the card chip to enable monies to be used on transactions in an off-line environment.

Do you need a separate card for Pre-Authorized Debit?
The AnswerPre-Authorized Debit cards have a slightly different profile to previous EMV cards. Parameters need to be put in place with in the chip, but the one card will be issued which will have the current credit / debit function along side the Pre-Authorized Debit function.

For low value transactions (e.g. newspapers, parking etc) won't the merchant incur charges?
The AnswerThe actual transaction will be processed off-line. Such transactions will be batched together and forwarded either daily or with the next online transaction.

Will Pre-Authorized Debit cause queues at "fast-service" establishments, which are low value transactions?
The AnswerNo, a Pre-Authorized Debit transaction is quicker than a cash transaction.