Blocking gambling transactions on credit and debit cards

Some Australian banks now offer customers an option to place blocks on various types of gambling transactions.  Below is a list of each bank which supports this, with information about how each scheme works, and links for further information.

Please note that while blocks which are applied are usually immediate, some are not permanent, and may be lifted depending on each bank’s policy and processes.  Some blocks can be applied directly via the bank’s smartphone app, whereas other blocks will require the customer to contact the bank to request the block.

Westpac

Blocks are available on debit and credit cards.  Once activated, cancellation of the block must be requested and may take up to two business days.

Customers wishing to apply a block can call the Westpac Customer Care team on 131 900 between 9am and 6pm, Monday through Friday.

Further information available here: https://www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/credit-cards/manage/gambling-preference/

Commonwealth Bank

Blocks can be applied to credit and debit cards.  Customers requesting a block will commit to applying the block for a set period of time, and will receive an SMS to notify them once the block has been activated.

Customers wishing to apply a block can call the Commonwealth Bank’s Financial Assist Sensitive Matters team on 1300 720 814 between 8am and 6pm, Monday through Friday.

More information here: https://www.commbank.com.au/support/gambling-support.html

NAB

Blocks can be applied to credit and debit cards.  Once activated, cancellation of the block must be requested and will take 48 hours.  Primary card holders, additional card holders, people who hold a Power of Attorney, and people who have third-party access to another person’s internet banking can all apply for a block (although blocks may differ depending on who makes the request).

Customers wishing to apply a block can do so via the NAB banking smartphone app.

More information here: https://www.nab.com.au/personal/customer-support/gambling-restriction

Bank of Melbourne

This block applies to credit cards only.  Once activated, cancellation of the block must be requested and may take up to two business days to be processed.

Customers wishing to apply a block can call the Bank of Melbourne’s Customer Care team on 132 266 between 9am and 6pm, Monday through Friday.

More information here: https://www.bankofmelbourne.com.au/personal/credit-cards/manage/gambling-preference#qbodypar_bodyfaq-1