BasicsCard
If you are on Income Management, you are eligible for a BasicsCard. The BasicsCard is a reusable, PIN protected card that allows you to spend your income managed money at approved stores and businesses through the EFTPOS system.
On this page
Using your BasicsCard
Watch the video below to find out how to use your BasicsCard and keep your BasicsCard safe.
Video, MP4: 5:42 10.6MB
Note: To view this video you will need to enable Javascript and download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player.
Access the Using your BasicsCard transcript. [Transcript, 4 pages, RTF: 43KB]
BasicsCard balance check options
To check your BasicsCard balance, you can:
- BasicsCard balance on EFTPOS receipts
- use a BasicsCard Kiosk
- call the Income Management line on 13 2594 or Freecalltrade;1800 057 111 (balance only)
- refer to the BasicsCard balance enquiry online
- visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre
BasicsCard balance on EFTPOS receipts
You can now choose to have your remaining BasicsCard balance printed on your EFTPOS receipt when you shop at participating stores.
This is an easy and convenient method for you to keep track of your BasicsCard balance.
To have your BasicsCard balance printed on your EFTPOS receipt you will need to register to use this service by contacting Centrelink. If you are registered for self service you can set this service up yourself online.
The following national retailers are currently able to print BasicsCard balances on EFTPOS receipts:
- Coles Supermarkets
- Coles Express
- Target
- Target Country
- Kmart
- Kmart Tyre and Auto Service
- BI-LO
BasicsCard Kiosks
You can check your BasicsCard balance using BasicsCard Kiosks. To use a BasicsCard Kiosk, swipe your BasicsCard, enter your PIN and your balance will be displayed on screen.
BasicsCard Kiosk locations
| Region | Shopping Centre | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs | Yeperenye Shopping Centre | 36-38 Hartley Street, Alice Springs, Northern Territory |
| Alice Springs | Northside Foodland IGA | 3 Hearn Place, Alice Springs, Northern Territory |
| Bathurst Island | Nguiu Ullintjini Association | Wurrumiyanga, Bathurst Island, Northern Territory |
| Broome | Broome Boulevard Shopping Centre | 106 Fredrick Street, Broome, Western Australia |
| Cannington | Westfield Carousel | 1382 Albany Highway, Cannington, Western Australia |
| Casuarina | Casuarina Square Shopping Centre | 247 Trower Road, Casuarina, Northern Territory |
| Casuarina | Casuarina Village Shopping Centre | 54 Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina, Northern Territory |
| Karama | Karama Shopping Plaza | 37 Kalymnos Drive, Karama, Northern Territory |
| Katherine | Oasis Shopping Centre | Katherine Terrace, Katherine, Northern Territory |
| Palmerston | Palmerston Shopping Centre | Temple Terrace, Palmerston, Northern Territory |
| Wadeye | Murrinpatha Nimmipa Store | Wadeye Community, Wadeye, Northern Territory |
BasicsCard Merchants
If you have a BasicsCard you can use this BasicsCard Merchant List to locate stores that accept BasicsCard within Australia.
- BasicsCard Merchant List [XLSX File: 396KB]
- BasicsCard Merchant List [CSV File: 540KB]
Information is current as of 11 May 2012 and subject to change without notice.
Don't forget to call 13 2594 or Freecalltrade;1800 057 111 to get your balance before you shop.
If you have any complaints about the services provided by the merchants on the list, please contact the Income Management Line on 13 2594.
Calls from your home phone to Centrelink 13 numbers from anywhere in Australia are charged at a fixed rate. That rate may vary from the price of a local call and may also vary between telephone service providers. Calls to 1800 numbers from your home phone are free. Calls from public and mobile phones may be timed and charged at a higher rate.
If you require help with downloading our publications refer to PDF hints.
BasicsCard and show days
If you are planning to attend an upcoming show in the Northern Territory, Queensland or Western Australia please be aware the following restrictions apply:
The BasicsCard cannot be used to:
- gain entry to the show at the gate, or
- purchase rides, food and show bags inside the show.
If you would like to attend the show you may be able to:
- access income managed funds for the show if all your priority needs have been met
- purchase show entry tickets using the BasicsCard at selected stores, and
- access income managed funds to pay for travel and accommodation costs while attending the show.
If you are planning to travel outside Income Management areas to attend a show ask Centrelink for a list of BasicsCard merchants in your area before you travel. You should also ensure that you take your BasicsCard with you when you travel.
The main 'show days' are scheduled on the following dates:
- Alice Springs Friday 6 July 2012
- Tennant Creek Friday 13 July 2012
- Katherine Friday 20 July 2012
- Darwin Friday 27 July 2012
- Borroloola Friday 29 June 2012
- Kununurra, WA Friday 13 amp; Saturday 14 July 2012
- Cairns, QLD Wednesday 18, Thursday 19 amp; Friday 20 July 2012
The show circuit also visits other communities for short periods.
Online Services
Online services are available for income managed customers and BasicsCard holders.
If you are registered for online services you can:
- view your Income Management allocations
- view your BasicsCard transaction history for the past 13 weeks, and
- transfer income managed funds from your income management account onto your BasicsCard.
If you are not registered for online services, you can check your BasicsCard balance online using the BasicsCard balance enquiry service.
More information
- BasicsCard factsheet for customers
- BasicsCard terms and conditions factsheet
- Income Management
- Income Management for businesses