GE Money GO MasterCard Frequently Asked Questions

Posted November 11th, 2010 and last modified April 2nd, 2013

The GE Money GO MasterCard is top notch. Every day you can expect earn excellent rewards and get some of the most competitive rates in the business. Beyond that, right now there are winning promotions that add value to your card and additional dollars to your bottom line. Like most savvy consumers you probably have a long list of questions regarding this card and right here is the place to get your answers. View other GE Money credit cards.

GE’s Interest Free Purchase Questions

What kinds of promotions are available?

You can choose between two promotions, the first is the instalment interest bearing promotion which spreads your payments out equally during the promotional period at a special lower rate. The split promotion lets you make an interest free payment deferred purchase and only pay on it after six months.

Is making an interest free purchase difficult?

No, all you have to do is use your GE Money GO credit card at a participating store, present identification and the sales clerk will inform you of the current promotions. You may make as many purchases as you choose at any of the participating retailers up to your spending limit. The minimum purchase amount varies, so check with the sales clerk about their restrictions.

Do I get to choose which promotion to use?

Usually the customer chooses, but always ask at the retailer in case they are offering specific financing options.

Will I be able to use this card anywhere?

Your Go MasterCard is accepted at more then 1,000 stores around Australia including Joyce Mayne, Domayne and Harvey Norman where you can use one of the interest free purchasing options. It is also accepted for regular purchases anywhere around the world that accepts MasterCard.

What else should I know about the Interest Free and Buy Now Pay Later Promotion?

You should know that your promotional period begins the day of your purchase or, for delivered items, on the delivery day. You can continue to use your card for regular purchases, cash advances, or other promotional purchases while you are paying back the bill, up to your spending limit. Your spending limit will always be listed at the top of your statement each month and can also be found by contacting GO MasterCard. You can also take advantage of 62 interest free days each month by paying off your full balance at each due date.

GO MasterCard Payment And Use Questions

Will I receive a monthly statement?

Yes, just like any other credit card you will get a monthly statement that lists your payment amount and due date. There will also be notations about any overdue payments or over limit amounts. If you have any questions you can contact the customer service centre by phone or on line.

Will I be penalised if I pay off my balance early?

Absolutely not, you can pay off your bill prior to the expiration of the promotional period and you will never be charged an early repayment fee.

How much can I expect my monthly payment to be?

Your monthly payment is a calculation that is based on the amount of debt on your card. It is 3% of the balance or $25, whichever amount is greater. In addition, if there are any overdue payments of over the limit amounts those will also be part of your payment. The best way to avoid those penalty fees is to set up a monthly direct debit to your card payment.

Will I have to pay interest every month?

You can avoid paying interest by paying your bill in full each month if you have made regular purchases with your GO MasterCard. If you have only made promotional purchases you must pay them off prior to the expiration of that promotional period to avoid interest. At the end of the period only the amount that remains on the balance will be assessed an interest fee. Interest on cash advances is calculated from the date of purchase so there is no way to avoid paying interest on cash advances other then not to make these transactions.

Do most cardholders wind up going over their limit and paying the additional fee?

No, it is easy to avoid paying an over the limit fee by carefully monitoring your spending and your credit card account. If you check on your balance regularly you will see when you are getting close to your spending limit. At that time you can make an extra payment so as to avoid over the limit fees. It is easy to check your balance at the Online Service Centre or by contacting customer service by phone. If you find that you need an increase in your spending limit you may request one either on line or by phone.

What about late fees, are they avoidable?

Late fees are some of the most costly and easiest to avoid charges on credit card debts. It is up to you to make certain that your payment is always received by GE by the due date that is listed on your statement. If you are concerned about your payment getting held up in the mail or that you will forget to make a payment you can set up a direct debit from your everyday account to GE each month prior to the due date. This can be set up by contacting the GE Service Centre. Please note that these payments are typically only the minimum amount and you will need to make an additional payment to avoid interest charges.

Can I use my card as soon as I get it in the mail?

Before you can make your first purchase you must activate your card and any additional cardholders cards by going on line or calling GE. Cards are sent to you inactive for security purposes so that should they wind up in the wrong hands before they reach you there is little chance of them being used to make fraudulent purchases. If you have more then one additional card it will be mailed separately from the other cards, also for security purchases. Once your card is activated you may also register it at the Online Service Centre so you can manage your account easily on line any time of day or night that suits your schedule.

How much is my credit limit and is it the same as my cash advance limit?

The cash limit and credit spending limit are not always the same amount. Both limits can be found by looking at your statement. They will be listed individually in the top right hand corner of the statement. You may also not your credit limit by logging into your on line account or making an enquiry by phone to the customer service centre.

Is it easy to get cash advances with my GE GO MasterCard?

Yes, you can use your MasterCard to withdraw cash from any of the more then 900,000 ATMs around the world that display the MasterCard or Cirrus logo. Cardholders can also make withdrawals at any financial institutions that display these logos. When you are travelling abroad the money you withdraw will be debited from your account in Australian dollars at the current exchange rate. This allows you to travel and spend without the hassle of traveller’s cheques or currency exchange. Remember that cash withdrawals incur interest from the day of the withdrawal and have no interest free period like purchases.

GE Money GO Card Fees

What are the interest rates?

The standard interest rate on any balance after the promotional period is 29.49% p.a.. The MasterCard balance interest rate on regular purchases is 21.74% p.a. and the cash advance interest rate is 29.49% p.a..

What are the service fees?

There is a $25 for establishing the account that is charged to everyone except those who are switching from a Buyer’s Edge or GE CreditLine. The monthly servicing fee is $3.95 and there is a $10 card replacement fee.

What are the overdue fees?

The over limit fee of $5.00 is charged when a purchase takes you over your limit, it is only charged once each statement period. The late fee of $25 is assessed if you do not make the monthly payment by your due date.

Are there cash advance fees?

Yes, you will be assesses a 3% or $3 fee, whichever is greater when you withdraw cash with your GE GO MasterCard. Should you ask to have funds transferred to a bank account there is a $3 or 3%, whichever is greater, fee. The maximum fee is $30 per transaction.

What are the fees for using my card internationally?

The international cash advance fee is $4.00 per transaction. If you get cash over the counter while you are abroad the cash advance fee is $5.00. There is also a 3% transaction fee on all purchases and cash advances.

Is there a fee for making payments at Australia Post?

Yes, a fee of $1.50 will be assessed on payments made at Australia Post.

GE GO MasterCard Security Questions

What kind of security comes with my card?

Your GE GO MasterCrd comes with the most advanced Chip and Pin security. This means that it is embedded with a microchip that holds and protects your personal and financial information that is stored on the card. The chip is located in the gold square on the left and side of the front of your card. This chip provides better security because it encrypts your personal data making it more difficult to for fraudsters to steal it. Your card is also protected by the Falcon monitoring system. This program monitors your account all day and every day for any suspicious transactions. Should they note any suspect charges you will be contacted immediately and the issue handled in short order.

Is it harder to use a chip card?

It is not harder to use your card, but as Australia uses this security more widely you may be required to do some different steps when you make transactions. Sometimes you may only be required to sign the receipt while others might require you to also input your secret PIN.

Can I change my PIN?

Yes, all you have to do is contact the GE Customer Solutions department to get a new PIN should you have forgotten or simply would like a new Personal Identification number. If you already have a card that does not have a chip you can use your existing PIN with it.

Is using my card overseas different then using it in Australia?

 In some places outside Australia you might not have the option of signing instead of using your PIN. Make sure you know the number by contacting Customer Solutions prior to travelling. If your card only has the magnetic stripe and not an embedded chip you can use it as you would have before and simply sign for transactions.

Can I get a new Chip card before my old card expires?

Yes, simply contact the Customer Solutions department and they will assist you in arranging for a new embedded chip card.

Can I get more information about Chip cards?

If you would like more information about the GO MasterCard security features or Chip and PIN security there is a downloadable brochure located on the web site.

The GE Money GO MasterCard is much more then your standard credit card. Their unique promotional program is an opportunity to finance purchases from some of the best retailers in Australia with no interest charges. This card allows you to decide how to spend your money by choosing your promotional financing option. That kind of spending freedom gives you power and can help you get the things you want today without having to spend a fortune on them in interest fees tomorrow. Along with these great spending options you also get the best security features currently available with Falcon fraud monitoring and advanced Chip and PIN technology. With this card in your wallet you can spend securely and cheaply which really is the best way to spend.

The GE Money GO MasterCard is top notch. Every day you can expect earn excellent rewards and get some of the most competitive rates in the business. Beyond that, right now there are winning promotions that add value to your card and additional dollars to your bottom line. Like most savvy consumers you probably have a long list of questions regarding this card and right here is the place to get your answers.

GE’s Interest Free Purchase Questions

What kinds of promotions are available?

You can choose between two promotions, the first is the instalment interest bearing promotion which spreads your payments out equally during the promotional period at a special lower rate. The split promotion lets you make an interest free payment deferred purchase and only pay on it after six months.

Is making an interest free purchase difficult?

No, all you have to do is use your GE Money GO credit card at a participating store, present identification and the sales clerk will inform you of the current promotions. You may make as many purchases as you choose at any of the participating retailers up to your spending limit. The minimum purchase amount varies, so check with the sales clerk about their restrictions.

Do I get to choose which promotion to use?

Usually the customer chooses, but always ask at the retailer in case they are offering specific financing options.

Will I be able to use this card anywhere?

Your Go MasterCard is accepted at more then 1,000 stores around Australia including Joyce Mayne, Domayne and Harvey Norman where you can use one of the interest free purchasing options. It is also accepted for regular purchases anywhere around the world that accepts MasterCard.

What else should I know about the Interest Free and Buy Now Pay Later Promotion?

You should know that your promotional period begins the day of your purchase or, for delivered items, on the delivery day. You can continue to use your card for regular purchases, cash advances, or other promotional purchases while you are paying back the bill, up to your spending limit. Your spending limit will always be listed at the top of your statement each month and can also be found by contacting GO MasterCard. You can also take advantage of 62 interest free days each month by paying off your full balance at each due date.

GO MasterCard Payment And Use Questions

Will I receive a monthly statement?

Yes, just like any other credit card you will get a monthly statement that lists your payment amount and due date. There will also be notations about any overdue payments or over limit amounts. If you have any questions you can contact the customer service centre by phone or on line.

Will I be penalised if I pay off my balance early?

Absolutely not, you can pay off your bill prior to the expiration of the promotional period and you will never be charged an early repayment fee.

How much can I expect my monthly payment to be?

Your monthly payment is a calculation that is based on the amount of debt on your card. It is 3% of the balance or $25, whichever amount is greater. In addition, if there are any overdue payments of over the limit amounts those will also be part of your payment. The best way to avoid those penalty fees is to set up a monthly direct debit to your card payment.

Will I have to pay interest every month?

You can avoid paying interest by paying your bill in full each month if you have made regular purchases with your GO MasterCard. If you have only made promotional purchases you must pay them off prior to the expiration of that promotional period to avoid interest. At the end of the period only the amount that remains on the balance will be assessed an interest fee. Interest on cash advances is calculated from the date of purchase so there is no way to avoid paying interest on cash advances other then not to make these transactions.

Do most cardholders wind up going over their limit and paying the additional fee?

No, it is easy to avoid paying an over the limit fee by carefully monitoring your spending and your credit card account. If you check on your balance regularly you will see when you are getting close to your spending limit. At that time you can make an extra payment so as to avoid over the limit fees. It is easy to check your balance at the Online Service Centre or by contacting customer service by phone. If you find that you need an increase in your spending limit you may request one either on line or by phone.

What about late fees, are they avoidable?

Late fees are some of the most costly and easiest to avoid charges on credit card debts. It is up to you to make certain that your payment is always received by GE by the due date that is listed on your statement. If you are concerned about your payment getting held up in the mail or that you will forget to make a payment you can set up a direct debit from your everyday account to GE each month prior to the due date. This can be set up by contacting the GE Service Centre. Please note that these payments are typically only the minimum amount and you will need to make an additional payment to avoid interest charges.

Can I use my card as soon as I get it in the mail?

Before you can make your first purchase you must activate your card and any additional cardholders cards by going on line or calling GE. Cards are sent to you inactive for security purposes so that should they wind up in the wrong hands before they reach you there is little chance of them being used to make fraudulent purchases. If you have more then one additional card it will be mailed separately from the other cards, also for security purchases. Once your card is activated you may also register it at the Online Service Centre so you can manage your account easily on line any time of day or night that suits your schedule.

How much is my credit limit and is it the same as my cash advance limit?

The cash limit and credit spending limit are not always the same amount. Both limits can be found by looking at your statement. They will be listed individually in the top right hand corner of the statement. You may also not your credit limit by logging into your on line account or making an enquiry by phone to the customer service centre.

Is it easy to get cash advances with my GE GO MasterCard?

Yes, you can use your MasterCard to withdraw cash from any of the more then 900,000 ATMs around the world that display the MasterCard or Cirrus logo. Cardholders can also make withdrawals at any financial institutions that display these logos. When you are travelling abroad the money you withdraw will be debited from your account in Australian dollars at the current exchange rate. This allows you to travel and spend without the hassle of traveller’s cheques or currency exchange. Remember that cash withdrawals incur interest from the day of the withdrawal and have no interest free period like purchases.

GE Money GO Card Fees

What are the interest rates?

The standard interest rate on any balance after the promotional period is 29.49%. The MasterCard balance interest rate on regular purchases is 21.49% and the cash advance interest rate is 29.49%.

What are the service fees?

There is a $25 for establishing the account that is charged to everyone except those who are switching from a Buyer’s Edge or GE CreditLine. The monthly servicing fee is $3.95 and there is a $10 card replacement fee.

What are the overdue fees?

The over limit fee of $5.00 is charged when a purchase takes you over your limit, it is only charged once each statement period. The late fee of $25 is assessed if you do not make the monthly payment by your due date.

Are there cash advance fees?

Yes, you will be assesses a 3% or $3 fee, whichever is greater when you withdraw cash with your GE GO MasterCard. Should you ask to have funds transferred to a bank account there is a $3 or 3%, whichever is greater, fee. The maximum fee is $30 per transaction.

What are the fees for using my card internationally?

The international cash advance fee is $4.00 per transaction. If you get cash over the counter while you are abroad the cash advance fee is $5.00. There is also a 3% transaction fee on all purchases and cash advances.

Is there a fee for making payments at Australia Post?

Yes, a fee of $1.50 will be assessed on payments made at Australia Post.

GE GO MasterCard Security Questions

What kind of security comes with my card?

Your GE GO MasterCrd comes with the most advanced Chip and Pin security. This means that it is embedded with a microchip that holds and protects your personal and financial information that is stored on the card. The chip is located in the gold square on the left and side of the front of your card. This chip provides better security because it encrypts your personal data making it more difficult to for fraudsters to steal it. Your card is also protected by the Falcon monitoring system. This program monitors your account all day and every day for any suspicious transactions. Should they note any suspect charges you will be contacted immediately and the issue handled in short order.

Is it harder to use a chip card?

It is not harder to use your card, but as Australia uses this security more widely you may be required to do some different steps when you make transactions. Sometimes you may only be required to sign the receipt while others might require you to also input your secret PIN.

Can I change my PIN?

Yes, all you have to do is contact the GE Customer Solutions department to get a new PIN should you have forgotten or simply would like a new Personal Identification number. If you already have a card that does not have a chip you can use your existing PIN with it.

Is using my card overseas different then using it in Australia?

 In some places outside Australia you might not have the option of signing instead of using your PIN. Make sure you know the number by contacting Customer Solutions prior to travelling. If your card only has the magnetic stripe and not an embedded chip you can use it as you would have before and simply sign for transactions.

Can I get a new Chip card before my old card expires?

Yes, simply contact the Customer Solutions department and they will assist you in arranging for a new embedded chip card.

Can I get more information about Chip cards?

If you would like more information about the GO MasterCard security features or Chip and PIN security there is a downloadable brochure located on the web site.

The GE Money GO MasterCard is much more then your standard credit card. Their unique promotional program is an opportunity to finance purchases from some of the best retailers in Australia with no interest charges. This card allows you to decide how to spend your money by choosing your promotional financing option. That kind of spending freedom gives you power and can help you get the things you want today without having to spend a fortune on them in interest fees tomorrow. Along with these great spending options you also get the best security features currently available with Falcon fraud monitoring and advanced Chip and PIN technology. With this card in your wallet you can spend securely and cheaply which really is the best way to spend.

Image source: lendingcentral.com

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