28° Mastercard Cash Advances while overseas [No more free cash advances from 1/1/14]

[Cynicor]

Yes, and by at least 200-300%, with a low limit card ($1500). There was another person couple of months back on the forum who reported the same sort of thing on a card with a higher limit, from memory.

 

[kpc]

Not just post offcies, 7/11 atms also work, as do most Citibank ones. Additionally, the odd atm works too such as in VenusFort and other large shopping malls.
.

I found that whilst Citibank ATMs in Japan seem to accept the Wizard, I had troulde accessing the ATM afterhours....you had to swipe your Wizard card to enter the building where the ATM was...initially, it refused to let me in, but after multipne swipes eg 10, the light turned green finally, and allowed me to open the door to access the ATM machine! Be warned...

 

[Mossy]

Hi all.

I've been reading through this forum on the Wizard Clear Advantage Mastercard, thanks for all the information!

I am still a little unclear on the monthly cash advance limit and would like clarification if anyone knows.

I applied and got approved for a $6000 limit and as I'm going overseas I am wanting to load my money on to this card to take advantage of the no fees for overseas use.

If I preload $10000 onto this card will I be able to withdraw this $10000 during the billing cycle? Or, will I be limited to $6000, my approved credit limit?

Thanks for your help on this topic, I know it has been raised a lot but I am still unsure.

 

[bowser]

Hi mossy,

I've just returned from a month travelling around Europe, Russia & Middle East. I was confused with the suspected monthly withdrawal 'limit' as well before leaving.

I can confirm they do place a lock on your account which prevents cash withdrawals and store purchases. I called the GE helpdesk from Germany and they removed the lock, although it took 24 hours for the card to work again. They said the lock had been placed on my account because a letter addressed to my PO Box had been returned to sender. I highly doubt this was true.....

My credit limit was only $2000 and the lock occurred at $1940.00

Make sure to bring another card/account. My wizard cc didn't work in quite a lot of ATM's (even GE money ATM's). I used my ANZ savings account immediately afterwards and withdrew cash OK.

 

[Mossy]

Hi bowser,

Thanks for your reply. I'm also going to Europe so your info helps with my decisions regarding where to put my money.

In that case I'll take the card as a backup and place my money on the ANZ travel card. It's 2 euro a withdrawal but I think it's worth the money to have access to all my money.

 

[kpc]

If I preload $10000 onto this card will I be able to withdraw this $10000 during the billing cycle? Or, will I be limited to $6000, my approved credit limit?

There is conflcting info. regarding this. As I've never withdrawn anywhere close to my credit limit, I can't speak from personal experience. My sister in law was capped to her credit limit per billing cycle, but as others have posted here, they have withdrawn beyond this. I guess it's a YMMV with this. Try it out yourself, and have a 2nd backup card to use...recently, an ATM machine in KUL swallowed my Wizard card, and I had to rely on a 2nd card!

 

[bowser]

I took an ANZ card as well and it worked really well, accepted in all ATMs.

With your Wizard card use the larger multi-national banks like Citibank, Deutsche Bank etc and dont select 'credit' account (use default account). I found these banks the most reliable when withdrawing cash. Most of the smaller local banks just wouldn't play ball when trying to withdraw cash....

 

[auriga]

Two withdrawals in China recently.
One withdrawal from ICBC carried a Y6 fee, whereas Bank of China did not appear to have a fee.

 

[GTR90D]

This is the FAQ from the Clear Advantage website.

Who do I contact with enquiries about the Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard?

You can call the Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard Customer Solutions team on 1300 552 079. The team do not currently handle E mail enquiries.
How much money can I balance transfer from my existing credit card?

You can transfer any amount up to the available credit on your account (subject to a minimum of $100).
How much cash can I withdraw on my Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard?

Subject to your available credit, you can withdraw up to $1,000 per day at an ATM and up to $3,000 per day over the counter at a financial institution. Some financial institutions may also limit the amount of cash you can withdraw through their facilities.
What are the approval criteria for the Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard?

Like most financial institutions, we work on a credit check system to make sure that we are identifying the right person, to prevent fraud. Our lending criteria take many factors into consideration. We don't disclose the specific details on our criteria. However, if you're declined for this product, we'll advise you of this in writing.
I've seen other credit card offers that are similar. Why should I choose the Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard?

The Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard offers a competitive interest rate on purchases and cash, no annual fee and up to 55 days interest free on purchases.‡
If I don't pay off my balance transfers in the first six months, what interest will I be charged?

You'll be charged the standard annual percentage rate –18.49% p.a – on any unpaid balance transfers after six months from date of account opening.
Can the Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard be linked to my mortgage?

No, this product isn't designed for those seeking a mortgage linked credit card.
Can I pay my credit card balance at a Wizard branch?

No. Unfortunately our branches aren't set up to handle payments, but you can pay via Direct Debit, BPAY, at Australia Post outlets (a small handling fee will apply) or you can mail a cheque or money order made payable to Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard, GPO Box 5373, Melbourne Vic 3001.
The BPAY biller code and customer reference number will be included in your monthly statement, or call 1300 552 079.

 

[GTR90D]

What will my credit limit be?

Our lending criteria takes into account many different factors. The information that you supply in your application will assist us in determining your credit limit, and if your application is approved, we will let you know your credit limit in your Welcome Pack.
Can I have an additional cardholder on my account?

Yes. If you would like your partner or friend to enjoy the ease and convenience of the Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard, free additional cards are available (up to 9 at no cost to you). You can view all itemised transactions on the one simple statement, allowing you to track and monitor shopping and expenses.
If I apply online, when can I expect to receive an answer on my application?

We can give an answer on your application within seconds in most instances.
If I apply online, and my application is approved, when can I expect to receive my card?

It will take approximately 10 working days from your approval for you to receive your card
If I apply by mail, when can I expect to receive an answer on my application?

It will take approximately 10 working days from receipt of your application to receive an answer from us in writing.
If I apply by mail, and my application is approved, when can I expect to receive my card?

If approved, you will receive your card with your approval letter 10 working days after your application.
Who do I call if I want to track my application?

You can call our Customer Care Centre on 1300 552 079 to check your application status.
Can I apply for the Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard in a Wizard branch?

Unfortunately you can't apply in a Wizard branch. However, you can apply online or print out the PDF of the application form from the website.
How long is the 4.99% p.a. Balance Transfer rate available for?

The 4.99% p.a. balance transfer rate will apply to balance transfer amounts for the first six months after your account is opened. Unpaid balance transfers will then be charged the standard annual percentage rate of 18.49% p.a.
How do I activate my credit card?

When you receive your card, you will need to activate it. Call our Customer Care Centre on 1300 721 540 and follow the prompts. Don't forget to sign your card immediately!
Are there any countries where I can't use my card?

Yes, your card will not be accepted in Cuba, Sudan, North Korea, Burma or Iran. This information is correct as at 18 April 2008.
Choose your own PIN

From 4 June 2008, when you make a purchase on your Wizard Clear Advantage MasterCard, you’ll have the choice of signing or entering your PIN when verifying your transaction. To make it easier for you, it’s now possible to create your own PIN with a simple phone call. So if you’re having trouble remembering your existing PIN, simply call us to choose your own! Remember, you’ll need a PIN number if you’re travelling overseas or need to withdraw cash.

 

[GTR90D]

As soon as I got the card(15/7/09) in the mail I called up the number to activate the card without the PIN arriving yet.

The lady as they do try to cross well and tried to get me to buy The Clear Advantage Protection insurance but I didn't.

After I got my card activated she put me through to PIN change automation system. It was very simple.

The Welcome pack included:
Conditions of use
Financial Table
Clear advantage Protection form and a card with contact numbers for customer service and Bpay details.
Most Importantly the card. (Cool design with a clear transparent patch on the car to simulate a clear view)

Listed Everyday Values:

No annual fee
No ATM withdrawal fees, cash advances and purchases.

but it does not state No international fees!!!!

I got $6000 limit

 

[ishkaban]

No annual fee
No ATM withdrawal fees, cash advances and purchases.

but it does not state No international fees!!!!

I got $6000 limit

I only use my card overseas and purely for cash advances, not purchases.
My limit is $6000, but I ALWAYS have around $7000+ ( so $1000+ my own money)

I NEVER cash advance below the $6000 limit, and there are NEVER any ATM/BANK/CURRENCY EXCHANGE charges.

The exchange rate is always better than at money changers

 

[snufl]

I have 3 different credit cards. Before going overseas I always phone each of them. They usually ask the depart date, return date and the countries I will be visiting. This may not be necessary but they note it in my account so I won't have any problems overseas.

 

[Flashback]

I have 3 different credit cards. Before going overseas I always phone each of them. They usually ask the depart date, return date and the countries I will be visiting. This may not be necessary but they note it in my account so I won't have any problems overseas.

I do the same for my 3 cards (Wizard, AMEX, Citibank) also; makes life easier if you do have to rely on something other than your Wizard.

I also let Westpac know, in case I need to withdraw any money direct from my day-to-day bank account also.

 

[Warks]

Whew! I just waded through 32 pages of posts on this subject - I came to it from this thread http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/best-way-access-cash-overseas-18841.html.
I went online and with a minimum of fuss was approved with a $8000 limit. Now to follow the rest of the steps. We are heading to the USA and Canada in 6 weeks so I guess it will all be ready by then.

Funny thing about all this discussion, I went overseas on my first big, long trip a way back in 1989 (that's 20 years ago!) and even then I was told to pay off my MasterCard before I left and put as much cash as I thought I'd need onto it. All I had to do was find a bank with the MasterCard symbol on the door and walk in to make a cash advance. Worked fine everywhere in the world I went with the notable exceptions of France and Belgium - even back then they didn't like MC and only favoured VISA.

Following advice here we will use the Wizard card only for cash and use the Gold MC or the VISA for purchases. Makes sense.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Baysider]

Just returned from Singapore and coughet, where I used the Wizard Mastercard for cash advances, will try to summarise and post the conversion rates shortly. I can confidently state, without even doing any calculations, that it was more cost effective than a Cirrus withdrawal in Singapore from my Westpac savings account.

 

[Warks]

Ordered my card on Thursday last and it arrived Monday! How good is that? PIN should arrive sometime soon I guess. Do I still need to do anything else before using it overseas or has that all changed? I gave very little information in the application so I'm wondering about the additional ID that people were talking about earlier on. I didn't see a form for this in the letter I got. Just more paperwork for the second card which Mrs Warks can't be bothered doing.

 

[serfty]

See post #298

 

[JohnK]

I will be using the Wizard Mastercard for cash withdrawals in the USA and Canada next week. Any advice on which ATMs to use? I am hoping that I can get a decent exchange rate but trying to avoid ATM fees....

 

[NM]

I will be using the Wizard Mastercard for cash withdrawals in the USA and Canada next week. Any advice on which ATMs to use? I am hoping that I can get a decent exchange rate but trying to avoid ATM fees....

In the USA (and I assume Canada), each ATM owner can charge a fee for using the machine. These fees usually vary from $1.50 to about $3.00. So if you withdraw $100, you are debited for $101.50 etc.

Generally the major banks charge lower fees than the independent ATM providers. So an ATM in the foyer of a hotel or in a 7-11 store is likely to have a higher fee than say a Bank of America ATM at a major shopping mall or outside a bank branch. But the difference is unlikely to be more than a dollar or so.

But the most efficient way to use ATMs is to make larger withdrawals less often so you get less fees overall.