Web Radio
May 15, 2008
» Evening Update

ST Forum
Min: °C Max: °C
» Weather Details
January 10, 2008 Thursday
Home > ST Forum > Online Story
Jan 10, 2008
A cashless society? Not if conditions are attached to the use of Nets cards
I HAVE two concerns regarding the usage of the Nets service, which I hope a spokesman from the Network for Electronic Transfer (Singapore) will be kind enough to clarify.

I wanted to buy a computer accessory from a shop in Funan The DigitaLife Mall, but realised I did not have any cash with me.

I decided to use my automated teller machine (ATM) card to make payment (since the Nets sticker was pasted prominently at the counter).

However, I was told that paymeny by Nets was only possible with purchases of $20 and above.

I was then instructed and directed to withdraw some money from an ATM in the vicinity so that I could go back to the shop to make a cash payment. I was so infuriated that I decided not to buy the product.

My first concern: Is the condition for a minimum purchase of a certain amount stipulated by Nets Singapore?

In another incident, I was in a sundry store in Chinatown planning to buy some toiletries when I saw a notice that read: 'Nets payment will only be accepted with a minimum purchase of $80 for certain items only. This is due to the high fees charged for the use of this service.'

My second concern: What are these fees mentioned by the shop?

I am appalled and saddened that though Singapore strives to be a cashless society, there are obstacles placed by the very authority that sets this goal.

Under Brand Values on the Nets website, a line reads: 'Today, it (Nets payment) is widely accepted at more than 30,000 points of acceptance, providing you with reliable and convenient payment and transaction processing service whenever you need it.'

I think we should correct that to '29,998 points of acceptance...'

Andy Chew Teck Huat

Best viewed at 1152x864 resolution with IE 6.0 or FireFox 2.0 and above
Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Co. Regn No. 198402868E | Privacy Statement | Terms & Conditions