Contactless card limit temporarily increased from $100 to $200 to stop the spread of COVID-19

In an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the Australian Payments Network announced today that it will be temporarily increasing the contactless card limit from $100 to $200. This means that as of this month, Australians will not be required to enter a PIN number for transactions under $200.
CEO Andy White said of the decision, “The increased limit is a pragmatic and important response to a changing environment. Consumers are tending to buy more, less often. The new $200 contactless limit will mean fewer consumers need to touch the payment terminal.”
This latest development comes less than a week after the Australian Department of Health advised shoppers to use cards over cash.
How long will the new contactless limit be in place?
The new $200 limit will begin this month and be rolled out rapidly to different cards and retailers. The Australian Payments Network described the new measure as a temporary change that will be in place for the next three months, pending further advice from the Federal Government.
Will my money be secure with the new limit?
According to information available on the AusPayNet website, banks and other financial institutions will continue to monitor accounts for any signs of fraudulent activity. That said, White did warn that “consistent with long standing advice, consumers are encouraged to look after their cards like cash to protect against theft.”
Check out our guide on credit card fraud, for more tips on how to keep your money safe.
How will I know if I can use the new limit?
If the new $200 limit has been applied to your card and the retailer you’re shopping at also has access to it, then you should know if you can use it by following prompts on the chip and PIN machine.
Granted the new limit is available to you, you should be able to tap-and-go without entering your PIN for purchases up to $200.
As a retailer, how do I know if the new payment limit is available to me?
If you’re a retailer, AusPayNet has said that your acquirer will alert you when the new limit becomes available. For now it has simply advised to follow the prompts on the chip and PIN machine.
Are you a small business owner struggling in these uncertain times? Why not read Mozo’s guide to the government’s financial support for small businesses.
Or if you’re starting to feel like your debit card is a little outdated, check out our compare debit cards table to see if it might be time to give your everyday transaction account a bit of a remodel.
Compare debit cards - last updated 25 June 2022
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Transaction Account
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayIDDebit MastercardEarn 1.50% p.a. interest on all balances. No monthly account fees. Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Australia's Best Bank 2022^.
CompareCompareTransaction Account
Earn 1.50% p.a. interest on all balances. No monthly account fees. Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Australia's Best Bank 2022^.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID
- what kind of card
- Debit Mastercard
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 1.50% p.a.
Balances from $250,000: 1.00% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000: 0.85% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from any Australian ATMs, EFTPOS, phone, internet, BPAY and direct debits
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Transaction Account
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Everyday Options
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayIDVisa DebitAn easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. You could get $25 plus Suncorp Bank will donate 25 meals to Oz Harvest. T&C’s Apply.
CompareCompareEveryday Options
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. You could get $25 plus Suncorp Bank will donate 25 meals to Oz Harvest. T&C’s Apply.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID
- what kind of card
- Visa Debit
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
Balances from $1: 0.01% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, atmx ATM, Big 4 banks ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Everyday Options
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Glide Account
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay, FitBit Pay, GarminVisa DebitUnlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees. Access Any Major Bank & MyState Bank ATM Fee-Free.
CompareCompareGlide Account
Unlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees. Access Any Major Bank & MyState Bank ATM Fee-Free.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay, FitBit Pay, Garmin
- what kind of card
- Visa Debit
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free internet transactions.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Glide Account
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Classic Banking Account
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung PayVisa Debit or
EFTPOSNo monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
CompareCompareClassic Banking Account
No monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay
- what kind of card
- Visa Debit or
EFTPOS
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.01% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone, internet and Visa debit purchases
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Classic Banking Account
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Everyday Edge Account
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung PayVisa Debit or
EFTPOSEnjoy $0 monthly account fees and unlimited fee-free card, phone and online transactions. Tap and pay with Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. Refund of overdrawn fees and international ATM withdrawal fees and international card transaction fees^.
CompareCompareEveryday Edge Account
Enjoy $0 monthly account fees and unlimited fee-free card, phone and online transactions. Tap and pay with Google Pay, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay. Refund of overdrawn fees and international ATM withdrawal fees and international card transaction fees^.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay
- what kind of card
- Visa Debit or
EFTPOS
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from counter deposit, phone, internet and EFTPOS. Free counter withdrawals.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Everyday Edge Account
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Bank Account Awards
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