Purchasing Cards

A Purchasing Card is a secure, cashless card that offers Beneficiaries a way to buy approved items directly, without needing to wait for reimbursements or hardship payments. It works like a controlled debit card, with safeguards in place to make sure funds are used in line with the Trust Deed.

All Gumala Beneficiaries who want a safe, simple and reliable way to access approved supports.

Last year, 84% of Beneficiaries told us they wanted the option to use a Purchasing Card. Many people shared that they were looking for something safer and more dependable than cash – a tool that makes everyday purchases easier while still protecting the purpose of the funds and reducing overall administrative costs.

When the Elders created the Trust Deed, they were very clear about what support should be used for: relieving hardship, supporting education, improving wellbeing, strengthening community and protecting culture. The Purchasing Card is simply another tool that helps carry out that vision in a practical, secure, low-cost and reliable way.

Applications will open by early May 2026, and funds will be available via your card from as early as 1 July 2026, as long as you provide all application details by the deadline.

No. Using a Purchasing Card is optional. If you choose not to use one, other support options will continue to be available to you. However, many of you have told us you want a safer and more reliable way to access support. The Purchasing Card is designed to make everyday purchases easier, faster and more secure, without the delays that can come with more traditional support options.

A Purchasing Card can be used to buy items that fit within the Trust Deed – things that support wellbeing, education, health, community and cultural needs. It can be used at most regular shops, both in‑store and online, as long as the purchase is for an approved purpose.

The card will automatically block spending on:

• Alcohol
• Gambling
• Adult products
• Smoking
• Online gaming
• Cash withdrawals
• Other gift cards

These safeguards ensure funds are used only for approved charitable purposes. As with hardship payments, there will also be limits on the amount that can be used on a Purchasing Card.

Yes. Purchasing Cards will be one of the approved methods for accessing support under the historic underpayment distribution, for up to $10,000 per person available for the cards.

There will be a separate application form for historic underpayment distributions. This form will be shared in May 2026, along with clear instructions on how to complete it and what information you will need to provide.

There are legal, Trust Deed requirements, and practical limits on how much can be transferred to Purchasing Cards. Other options available through the historic underpayment distribution – such as housing, superannuation and rental assistance – provide long‑term benefits and ensure the Foundation remains fully compliant with the Trust Deed.

Your Purchasing Card will remain active for as long as you are a Beneficiary and choose to keep using it. It is not limited to the $10,000 historic underpayment distribution – it will also be available for some annual program funds. This means the card is an ongoing option, not a one‑off.

You can use your Purchasing Card at most stores in Australia and overseas, and online, wherever Mastercard prepaid cards are accepted. The store must be able to process the card electronically. You can use the card for full or part payments, and you can make as many purchases as you need until your balance reaches zero. No change is given. Cards cannot be used for telephone purchases.

Select Credit. Even though this is a prepaid card, it uses credit settlement processes.

• Plastic card: The CVV is printed on the back of your card.
• Digital card: Open the Universal Gift Card app and tap the flip button on the card image to reveal your 3‑digit CVV.

Enter your card number, card name, expiry date and CVV. For digital cards, these details are in the Universal Gift Card app.

Tap and pay, or insert your card and enter your 4‑digit PIN. Important: The first time you use your plastic card, you must insert it into the terminal.

• Plastic cards: The expiry date is printed on the front of the card and shown under Your Card Information in Manage My Card.
• Digital cards: The expiry date is displayed in the Universal Gift Card app.

Yes. Go to Manage My Card, log in, open Your Card Information, and select Change PIN.

If your card product includes PAYS integration, you can add it to your phone wallet. Log in at ugca.au — if PAYS logos appear, your card is compatible. Then follow your phone wallet’s instructions to add a card.

Your card works with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Instructions:

• Apple Pay: apple.com/au/apple-pay
• Google Pay: support.google.com/googlepay
• Samsung Pay: samsung.com/au/apps/samsungpay

If the retailer accepts split payments, you can use your prepaid card and another payment method together. Most online stores do not allow split payments.

No. Cash withdrawals are not allowed, as this would not comply with the Trust Deed.

No. Purchasing Cards cannot be cancelled, redeemed for cash, used for cash advances, or returned for a refund.

Purchasing Cards are more secure than cash. Like any payment card, they should be kept safe, but if your card is lost or stolen, you can report it and have it replaced. This makes it safer than carrying cash, which cannot be recovered if lost.

This is a fraud‑prevention measure. It helps protect you by linking the card to you as the cardholder. It also allows the Customer Support team to confirm your identity if you ever need help with your card.

Your Card Proxy ID (PN) is a secure nine‑character code used for all card queries at ugca.au and when contacting Customer Support. For plastic cards, it is printed on the back of your card.

Lock your card immediately through Your Card Information. If you have your Proxy Number (PN), a replacement card can be issued. A $15 fee applies. Contact info@ugca.au to organise a replacement.

Important: Check your transaction history for unauthorised transactions. If you find any, email disputes@ugca.au to lodge a dispute claim. Fraudulent transactions must be reported within 120 days of the transaction date under Visa/Mastercard rules.

1. Lock your card via Manage My Card
2. Email disputes@ugca.au to report the transaction(s)
3. Lodge your dispute claim within 120 days

You are responsible for checking your transaction history regularly.

Yes. You can lock your card through Manage My Card if it’s misplaced or you want to block it temporarily. You can unlock it later using the same process.

Transactions may be declined if:

• Your card is not activated
• The purchase is outside approved categories
• The merchant does not accept prepaid cards
• Your balance is too low
• The merchant does not allow split payments
• Your card is locked
• Card details were entered incorrectly

No. A Purchasing Card will not affect Centrelink payments, as the support remains for charitable purposes.

Support is available to help Beneficiaries throughout the rollout. If you have questions or would like to talk with the team, please reach out.

Corporate Prepaid Cards Australia (card provider) 

• 1300 184 667
• gumala@ugca.au

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation 

• 08 9219 4500
• info@gumala.com.au

If you haven’t applied for a card yet, it’s not too late – applications remain open. 👉 Apply

1. Click apply above
2. Complete the online form
3. Review your answers
4. Press submit
5. You will see a confirmation message once your application is received

For more detailed guidance on how to apply, you can watch this how-to video.

Both options work the same way for approved purchases, so the best choice depends on what feels easiest and most comfortable for you.

A digital card is stored on your mobile phone. It’s usually the faster and more secure option, and many will find it convenient because you can’t lose it, it updates automatically, and it’s ready to use straight away.

A physical card works just like a regular bank card. It may be a better fit if you prefer something you can hold in your hand, or if you don’t use a smartphone. However, if a physical card is lost or damaged, a new one needs to be printed and posted to you, which can take time.

You won’t miss out either way – choose the option that suits your lifestyle and confidence with technology. If you’re unsure, we encourage you to consider the digital card, but both options are fully supported.

You can choose a physical card instead. Both digital and physical cards work the same way for approved purchases.

Yes. There is a small standard fee of $2 per month, and a $15 fee if you need a replacement card.