How do I activate my Gem Visa card?

For your protection, your Gem Visa can't be used until it's been activated. To activate your card call us on 0800 500 505 and follow the prompts. Don't forget to sign your card immediately.

Why do I have to activate my card?

For security reasons, cards are sent to you inactive. Activating the card validates it's been received by you.

How do I know what my Gem Visa credit limit is?

Your credit limit and available credit limit can be found on the top right of your monthly Gem Visa statement or you can log on to the Online Service Centre to check it any time.

How do I find out what my cash limit is?

It is important to note that your Gem Visa credit limit can be different from your cash credit limit. The amount of available credit you can access as cash can be found on the top right of your monthly Gem Visa statement or you can log on to the Online Service Centre to check it any time. You can register for the Online Service Centre today.

How will I track when my payments are due?

You'll receive a statement every month, showing the minimum monthly payment amount you're required to pay and the due date.

For more information or if you have a query about your statement, simply call us on 0800 500 505. You can also access your statement using the Gem Visa Online Service Centre 24/7. You just need your account number and credit limit to register.

What is a minimum monthly payment?

A minimum monthly payment is the amount you need to pay as shown on your monthly statement. You must pay the minimum monthly payment amount, to avoid late payment fees. Providing you do this, you will always have the option of not paying your monthly statement balance in full. You can also pay more than the minimum monthly payment at any time, if you want to clear your balance more quickly. For more information about minimum monthly payments, please read your Conditions of Use booklet or call our Customer Services team on 0800 500 505 with any queries you may have.

How are the minimum monthly repayments calculated?

The minimum monthly payment is calculated at 3% of the total outstanding balance or $20, whichever is greater (plus any overdue payments, over limit amounts and instalment fixed monthly payments due).

You can set up a direct debit to make sure your minimum monthly payments are made on time automatically. Call us on 0800 500 505 to arrange this or complete a direct debit form.
Remember, to avoid any interest charges at the end of your interest free start-up period, you may need to pay more than the minimum monthly payment each month.

How do I manage all my different interest free purchases and when they expire?

We make it really easy for you to keep track of your interest free purchases. Each month you'll receive a statement outlining your unexpired interest free purchases and the expiry date to help you easily manage your payments to avoid paying interest.

When I make a payment, which promotion gets paid off first?

When you make a payment we make sure that any fees and charges are paid and then your payments are applied so that any expired interest free promotions are paid before starting to pay off your unexpired promotions. So if you have an interest free promotion that's expired, you will need to pay that amount before any repayments start contributing to your unexpired interest free promotions.

Call Customer Services on 0800 500 505 for more details.

Can I make a payment on a particular interest free purchase?

Unfortunately you can't choose which interest free promotion is paid off first. We may be able to make an adhoc alteration to your payment allocations; please call our Customer Services on 0800 500 505 to discuss further.

Are there penalties for early repayments?

No. You can make additional payments or pay out the balance of your account in full before the interest free period expires at any time with no penalty.

What happens if I don't pay off my purchase within the interest free start-up period?

You’ll begin to incur interest on any outstanding amount from the date your interest free period expires. The interest will not be backdated but you should try and pay off this purchase as soon as you can to minimise your interest.

You can continue to make other purchases, up to your available credit limit, even if you have an expired promotion on your account.

How can I avoid paying interest?

To avoid interest when your promotional period expires you need to pay the total purchase amount during the period of your promotion. Remember to make sure you at least pay the minimum monthly payment each month.

Your statement will also detail all your unexpired interest free purchases, what the balance is and when they expire to help you avoid paying interest. But if you have any queries, please call Customer Services on 0800 500 505.

How can I avoid paying late payment fees?

There are some options available to help you reduce or avoid charges altogether. These include:

• Make sure you have enough funds in your account so all direct debits and other scheduled payments can be made.

• Pay special attention when using payment methods such as Direct Debit and personal cheques, which can take between three to five business days to process.

• Avoid late fees by making sure you have paid at least your minimum payment by the due date.

Always read your statements carefully, refer to your Conditions of Use for further details and remember you can also call our Customer Service team on 0800 500 505 for further help.

Are there any fees and charges payable on my Gem Visa account?

Gem Visa has one interest rate which is applicable to expired and non-promotional purchases and cash advances. There is also a simple fee structure, which includes a one-off establishment fee and an ongoing annual fee. See our Fees and Charges page for more details.

Do I get charged for online statements?

No. They're free and available to anyone who registers for the Online Service Centre. You can also view, save and print up to 7 years of statements and keep them for your own records. Should you choose not to register for online statements a $1.00 paper statement fee applies.

Do I have to pay a fee for withdrawing money from an ATM?

Yes. There is a $1.00 ATM withdrawal processing fee at any NZ ATM and $1.50 for any international ATM. Please note that some ATM owners may also charge an additional fee.

How can I access cash with my Gem Visa?

You can use your Gem Visa to make cash withdrawals from any ATM displaying the Visa logo. You can also withdraw cash over the counter at any bank or financial institution displaying the Visa logo.

When withdrawing cash overseas, your account will be debited for the amount in New Zealand dollars at that day's exchange rate, for further details refer to your Conditions of Use. This is a much more convenient alternative to traveler's cheques or currency exchange vendors.

Interest on cash advances is charged from the date of withdrawal. Fees and charges will apply for cash withdrawals.

A daily cash limit may also apply.

See our Fees and Charges page for more details.

What does Shopper's Protection cover me for?

• Price Protection: If your purchase goes on sale at the same retailer (even if it's a different location) within 6 months, we'll pay the price difference to your account

• Merchandise Protection: If the item you buy is lost, stolen or damaged within 6 months from the date of purchase, we'll pay for the cost of repair or replacement to your account

• Stolen Card Protection: If your Gem Visa card is stolen, we'll pay $200 to your account - just for the inconvenience

• Balance Protection: If you lose your job, or can't work due to sickness or injury, we'll pay the balance of your account, up to $5,000. If you should die, we'll pay the balance in full – up to $20,000

Terms, conditions and some exclusions apply. Click here for more details.

How much does Shopper's Protection cost?

The premium is just 1% of the monthly closing balance – capped at $50 per month. So even if you spend a bit more you'll be certain it won't cost you more than $50 a month.

How can I get Shopper's Protection?

Call us on 0800 220 999 and ask to have Shopper's Protection added to you Gem Visa account.
To see if Shopper's Protection is right for you, read the Policy.

How do I make a claim?

You can make a claim by calling us on 0800 220 999 or complete a claim form.

The following terms and conditions are required for any reference to 'Shopper's Protection'

Terms, conditions and some exclusions apply. See the Policy details for full details.

You should read the Policy before deciding whether to purchase this product. Shopper's Protection is issued by Hallmark Life Insurance Company Ltd. and Hallmark General Insurance Company Ltd., both trading as GE Money.