The Commonwealth Bank has a range of different accounts with debit card options, but not everyone realises that the features available may vary between them.
There are currently two different everyday transaction accounts offered through this bank – the Smart Access account and the Complete Access account.
With a Smart Access account there is a monthly fee and unlimited electronic access, including at ATMs or through EFTPOS, while the Complete Access account also has a monthly fee for unlimited electronic transactions plus branch transactions. Each of these accounts also comes with two different debit card options.
Like most banks, the Commonwealth Bank has both a basic debit card, which they call a Keycard, and a debit MasterCard for more convenient access options with an everyday banking account.
You can choose between one of these debit card options for each account you hold. If you have a Keycard, you can request to upgrade to a debit Mastercard via your Netbank login.
With a Keycard option, cardholders would be able to withdraw money and check their account balance at ATMs and use EFTPOS facilities. It is part of the Maestro and Cirrus network, so the card can also be used in some overseas locations.
A debit MasterCard, on the other hand, gives people access to their money at ATMs, with EFTPOS, online and over the phone, as well as in over 30 million locations around the world.
Different Kinds Of Debit Card Transactions
Not only is there more access with a MasterCard option, there are also more ways to use the debit card.
Transactions with a Keycard, for example, involve tapping, inserting the card into an ATM or swiping through an EFTPOS machine and following the prompts.
The Debit Mastercard from Commbank
With a debit MasterCard, new cardholders will also have access to contactless technology through MasterCard payPass. With this technology people can also just tap the card on a payPass machine and wait for the payment to be processed.
If the total amount is under $100, cardholders will also not need to worry about signing for the transaction or entering a PIN, making it much quicker for everyday shopping.
Debit MasterCard’s also come with added security options to help protect transactions. Features that help protect these cards include:
- CHIP technology
- A unique card number
- A card security code by the signature panel; and
- Online security through both the Commonwealth Bank and MasterCard’s SecureCode online registration service
Final thoughts
While a Keycard option may suit people who just use their debit card for basic, everyday transactions, a MasterCard debit card is ideal for those who want more access to their money.
The Commonwealth Bank offers both of these options so that you can decide which one is suited to your lifestyle and get the most out of your account and your debit card.
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Tony
July 21, 2024Can i use my key card to get my overseas pension
admin
July 23, 2024Hi Tony, I’m not sure about that. I’d suggest calling CommBank directly to check with them. Their customer service number is 13 22 21.
Robert Wilson
December 18, 2023I want to cancel my credit card, and take up a debit card. What action is required. Do I need to visit a branch?
admin
December 20, 2023Hi Robert, to cancel your credit card and apply for a debit card instead, you can give your card issuer a call for your request. You can also login to the CBA to complete this action too!
Philip
May 24, 2023Can I pay my belong mobile bill with my key card
admin
May 25, 2023Hi Philip, if you can pay in person, you can. As the CBA keycard can’t be used online or over the phone, you can pay via BPAY in the netbank app.
Hayley Bignall
May 5, 2023Hi. More of a comment really: Some businesses have a surcharge for the use of a debit Mastercard (as for a credit card), but not for using a keycard. Why is it not allowed to have both?
I had been wondering why CBA didn’t send me a new keycard when my old one expired (I now have a Debit Mastercard). After being unable to get in contact with CBA in any reasonable time after numerous phone calls, I found a Q&A below which I think explains why. However, this is a bit annoying, as I formerly could use my keycard to avoid surcharge at the till, but use the debit Mastercard for online purchases etc. Now I no longer have this option 🙁
“Can I hold BOTH a basic Keycard and a debit MasterCard ??
admin April 4, 2023
Hi Gary, you can choose one card per account (either the keycard or the debit Mastercard) but you can’t have both attached to one account. You choose which card works best for how you want to use the account. CommBank also has instructions on how to upgrade from a keycard to a mastercard using the online banking portal if you change your mind down the track. I hope that helps!”
admin
May 8, 2023Hi Hayley, that is a great comment. From what we can see on the CBA site, there’s nothing stopping you from having both, but they can’t be attached to the same account. One workaround would be to have two accounts, one with a keycard and the other one with a Mastercard. All the best!
caitlin
April 21, 2023how old do you have to be to be able to get a commonwealth debit card?
admin
April 26, 2023Hi Caitlin, you need to be at least 14 years old. If you’re aged between 9 and 13, you need to have a permission from your parent or guardian to open an account.
Gary Weybury
April 3, 2023Can I hold BOTH a basic Keycard and a debit MasterCard ??
admin
April 4, 2023Hi Gary, you can choose one card per account (either the keycard or the debit Mastercard) but you can’t have both attached to one account. You choose which card works best for how you want to use the account. CommBank also has instructions on how to upgrade from a keycard to a mastercard using the online banking portal if you change your mind down the track. I hope that helps!
Lindsay R Young
March 14, 2023I have a CBA debit card which i think has a 2000 dollar limit and next week on admission to a private hospital i have to pay over that limit for a minor operation. How can i do that?
admin
March 15, 2023Hi Lindsay, inside the CBA app on your phone, you can chat with “Ceba” and it will connect you to a CBA operator who will be able to guide you through the process of upping your daily limit.
Peter Dawe
February 19, 2023what ATMs can I use my commonwealth debit card without paying a fee
admin
February 20, 2023Hi Peter, one of the benefits of being a Commonwealth Bank customer is that you can use Commonwealth Bank ATMs and Bankwest ATMs without incurring a direct charge for withdrawals or balance inquiries. Additionally, you can use the ATMs of any bank that is part of the “Commonwealth Bank ATM Alliance” without paying a fee. The Alliance includes a range of banks such as ANZ, Westpac, NAB, and a few others. However, it’s important to note that some independent ATM operators may charge a fee for using their machines, and this fee is not covered by the Commonwealth Bank.
Stuart Gray
February 3, 2023Is a Commonwealth keycard (debit) a mastercard .
admin
February 6, 2023Hi Stuart, the Commonwealth Keycard is a debit card issued by Commonwealth Bank, and it can be linked to your transaction account. It’s not a Mastercard, but an EFTPOS card, which allows you to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs in Australia.
Sara Goode
June 6, 2022How can I change my CBA keycard to a debit Mastercard?
admin
June 7, 2022Hi Sara, you’ll have to sign up to a new CBA transaction account to get a debit Mastercard from CBA. You can still Tap&Go with your keycard though.
Anthony Chan
April 23, 2022Hi. Im unable to swipe my debit card of late and its annoying me. can I obtain a new card?
admin
May 2, 2022Hi Anthony, I’m sorry to hear about your experience. You’ve actually reached Debitcards.com.au, a debit card comparison and information site. Reach out to Commbank directly at 13 2221 for assistance.
Rene
December 29, 2019How long does it take for a debit card that has been lost, take to be reissued
admin
December 31, 2019Hi Rene, it doesn’t say how long it takes for Commbank to send out a replacement card on their website. Assume it would be between 3-5 business days. If you haven’t received your card or have any concerns, contact Commbank directly: https://www.commbank.com.au/support/lost-stolen-or-damaged-card-support-page.html
Kerrie Sciffer
November 28, 2019is there an annual fee for a debit mastercard?
admin
December 9, 2019Monthly fee of $4 or $0 if conditions are met. The fee will be waived if: You’re under 25 years of age, or You deposit at least $2,000 per month (excludes Bank initiated transactions), or You’re on Student Options, or
You meet other criteria.
Nanette Jones
April 20, 2017Can I pay over the phone with a keycard
admin
April 20, 2017Hi Nanette, Yes you can pay over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard debit card.
Alex
June 16, 2015can debit cards come without pay pass?
admin
June 16, 2015To a certain extent, an old keycard is like a debit card and won’t have wireless payments on board. Other than that, any newly issued Visa or MasterCard Debit Card product will have either PayWave (visa) and PayPass (MasterCard) functionality included in it. It really is the fastest way to pay for things under $100 and has 100% fraud protection.