Helping you avoid declined card payments

Over the last few months, we’ve noticed an increase in declined debit card payments due to insufficient funds.

When this happens, Unity is charged a fee by Mastercard. As a member-owned organisation, we’re committed to reducing avoidable costs and using member funds responsibly.

To help you better understand your account activity, declined payments will soon appear in your Mobile Banking and Internet Banking transaction history, as well as your bank statements.

Ways you can avoid declined payments

Keeping track of your balance and upcoming payments can help you avoid declined payments.

You may find it helpful to:

• Check your balance before making payments (in Mobile Banking, Internet Banking or at an ATM).
• Plan for upcoming automatic payments and regular expenses.
• Review whether your current account setup works well for you.

If you’re regularly experiencing declined payments, our team is happy to help.

Frequently asked questions

Does this mean something has changed with my Unity debit card?

No. This change only affects the information shown in your Mobile Banking and Internet Banking transaction history, and your bank statements. The way your account and debit card work remains the same.

I don't recognise a declined transaction. What should I do?

If you don’t recognise a declined payment or think someone may have attempted to use your card, contact us as soon as possible and we’ll help you look into it.

Why am I seeing declined transactions now?

We’ve updated the information shown in your transaction history and statements to give you a clearer view of your account activity. Previously, declined payments were not displayed.

What should I do if I see a declined transaction?

If a payment is declined because there aren’t enough funds available in your account:

1. Check your available balance. You can do this in Mobile Banking, Internet Banking or at an ATM.
2. If needed, add funds to your account, then try making the payment again.

If the payment is still declined or you’re unsure why it happened, get in touch with us and we’ll help you look into it.

How can I avoid declined debit card payments?

Keeping track of your balance and upcoming payments can help you avoid declines.

You may find it helpful to:

• Check your available balance in Mobile Banking or Internet Banking before making payments.
• Plan for upcoming automatic payments and regular expenses.
• Check whether your current account setup is right for you. For example, a separate account for regular bills and payments may help you keep track of what’s coming out and when.

If you’d like help reviewing your accounts or payment timing, our team is happy to help.

Direct Debit Honour Fee Update

From Tuesday, 30 June, our Direct Debit Honour Fee will increase from $17 to $20.

A Direct Debit Honour Fee applies when we allow a direct debit payment to go through even if there isn't enough money in your account at the time.

A direct debit is a payment you've authorised another organisation to take from your account for regular payments, such as rates, insurance premiums, or utility bills.

How to avoid this fee

There are a few simple ways to help avoid a Direct Debit Honour Fee:

• Make sure there are enough funds in your account before direct debits are due. Setting a reminder in your phone or calendar can help.
• Use internet banking to keep track of upcoming payments and your available balance.
• Review your regular direct debits from time to time to make sure they’re still needed and scheduled for the correct date. Where possible, aligning payment dates with when your income comes in can help ensure there are enough funds available.
• Consider using a Bill Pay account to help budget for regular bills and direct debits, so money is set aside when payments are due.
• Contact us early if you think you may have difficulty covering a payment.

What's the difference between an honour fee and a dishonour fee?

• A Direct Debit Honour Fee applies when we let a direct debit payment go through even though there isn’t enough money in the account, provided it doesn’t leave the account more than $99 overdrawn.^
• If a direct debit payment would leave the account more than $99 overdrawn, the payment won’t go through and a Direct Debit Dishonour Fee of $20 will be charged.

Need help?

If you're concerned about making an upcoming payment, get in touch with us as early as possible. We may be able to discuss options to help you stay on track and avoid fees.

^Please note that if you do not have an approved overdraft and your account goes into an unarranged overdraft, interest will be charged at 21.90% per annum, as advertised on our website.

Changes to our accounts

As a member-owned organisation, we regularly review our accounts and services to make sure they continue to meet member needs. 

From 3 June 2026, we’re making a few updates to some of our accounts. 

Everyday saver account 

The Everyday saver account is intended for saving rather than day-to-day spending.  

From 3 June 2026, the following fees will apply to Everyday saver accounts. These fees align with those that apply to our Everyday transactional accounts. 

If you have a Unity home loan, these fees won’t apply to you. 

Account fee: 

• Electronic transaction fee – $0.35 per transaction  

Service fees:

• International transaction fee – $0.80 per Mastercard^® transaction processed overseas 
• International ATM fee – $7 per withdrawal 

If you use your Everyday saver for regular spending, you may prefer to transfer funds to your Everyday or Everyday Unlimited account before making purchases. You can do this easily and for free via Internet Banking or the Mobile Banking App.  

These fees will be charged at the end of the day the transaction is processed. You can view our savings accounts here. 

Everyday Unlimited account 

For everyday spending, the Everyday Unlimited account provides a simple way to manage your day-to-day banking. 

From 3 June 2026, a $0.80 international transaction fee will apply to Debit Mastercard transactions processed overseas. If you have a Unity home loan, this fee won’t apply to you. 

We’re charged this fee from Mastercard, so it is not included in the $12 monthly account management fee.  

International transactions may include: 

• Online purchases or subscriptions with overseas companies 
• Transactions made in New Zealand but processed by an overseas provider 

Some payments may be processed overseas even if made in NZD or on a “.co.nz” website. Where this occurs, the international transaction fee will apply. 

International transaction fees will be charged at the end of the day on the same day the transaction is processed. 

You can view our Everyday transactional accounts here. 

Christmas saver account 

It’s never too early to start saving for Christmas. Even small amounts can build up over time. 

Unlike traditional Christmas clubs, our Christmas saver gives you flexibility to use your savings for whatever you like. 

From 3 June 2026, we’re making two changes to help your savings go further: 

• Interest increases from 1.80% p.a. to 2.25% p.a.^ 
• Withdrawal fee increases from $10 to $20 

To help you access your money when you need it most, withdrawals remain free from 1 November to 31 January each year.^* 

^Interest is calculated daily and paid on the last day of each month. Interest rates are subject to change without notice. Maximum deposit is $1.5 million per member. 

*Withdrawals and transfers made between 1 February and 31 October, through any channel, will incur a $20 fee, charged at the end of the day, on the day of the withdrawal. Staff-assisted fees apply if withdrawing via a branch or the call centre. 

What’s coming next 

We’re continuing to improve the way you bank with us.

In the coming months, we’ll introduce new security enhancements, including Confirmation of Payee, to help ensure payments go to the right account.

We’ll share more details before these changes go live, including anything you may need to do.

Need a hand? 

If you’re not sure which account suits your needs, or you’d like to make a change, just give us a call on 0800 229 943, email enquiries@unitymoney.co.nz, or visit your local branch. Our team is here to help.