OPTUS DELETES THE DIRECT DEBIT DRAIN FOR 350K CUSTOMERS

Optus is making it fairer and simpler for customers who choose to pay their bills via direct debit from credit cards. From 1 October, Optus has removed the credit card surcharge for consumer and small business customers who choose to use their credit cards to pay bills via direct debit.

Previously, over 350,000 customers who used this payment method were hit with a 1% payment processing fee each month just for paying their bills with a credit card via direct debit.

Amanda Hutton, Head of Customer Experience, Optus said, “This change is the direct result of feedback from our customers who told us that they didn’t like these charges. Doing away with unfair fees is the next step in making things better for our customers. We’re prepared to absorb the financial implications of these changes to provide them with a more rewarding experience with Optus.”

“Our customers tell us they don’t like direct debit because they fear bill shock and don’t know how much they will have to pay each month. Thanks to My Plan, which aims to significantly reduced bill shock, customers can now use direct debit worry free and fee free.”

For those customers who experience difficulties with direct debit payments, Optus has removed the direct debit dishonour fee of $22 for all direct debit payments to their savings account or credit card that are rejected by their bank.

The removal of the 1% credit card surcharge for direct debit expands the fee free payment options for Optus customers, which now includes BPAY savings, cheque, Optus retail store payments and direct debit from credit cards or bank accounts.

Media contact:
Claire Wong
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850