Discover what big change Woolworths has made to their checkouts–will this affect you?

Are you one of the folks who routinely withdraw cash at Woolworths? We have some news for you.

Recently, an internal memo about Woolworths’ cash-withdrawal policies was leaked online, prompting the supermarket to issue a statement confirming some big changes.


The note stated that the cash withdrawal limit is being reduced to $200 per store transaction, a significant drop from their previous limit of $500.


Untitled-1 (2).jpg
Woolworths has changed its cash-withdrawal policies, reducing the withdrawal limit to $200 per transaction. Credit: Reddit


Currently, customers can withdraw money without making a purchase, but the leaked document states that cash withdrawals will only be available for those who bought at the store.

According to reports, the changes will be rolled out over the coming weeks, and all cash withdrawals won’t be possible without a purchase by the end of October.

It’s worth nothing though that in the leaked memo, the stated effectivity of the lowered cash withdrawal limit is September 12.

Offering an explanation for the change, Woolies spokesperson said reducing the amount of cash handled in stores corresponds with customer habits.

'This is due to the lack of cash being used in transactions, with the majority of customers opting for card-only transactions such as Everyday Pay,' the spokesperson stated.

The retailer also assured that they’re not planning on removing cash transactions altogether: ‘We understand cash remains an important payment option for some customers, and that’s why we'll continue to offer the ability to withdraw cash.’


Social media users have mixed reactions to this change. Some will be affected by this new policy, as one user wrote: ‘Oh, that's unfortunate because sometimes I get rent money out from the supermarket.’

‘The worst part of this change is that you are now required to purchase an item to withdraw cash rather than the current system where you don’t need to make a purchase,’ another user pointed out.

On the other hand, some shoppers claimed they don’t have an issue with this. ‘I don't really have any issue with this. They aren't a bank,’ a person commented.

‘Good. It's a grocery store, not a bank,’ another said.

The leaked document also states that keeping large volumes of cash in stores presents a security risk for team members. While the spokesperson didn't elaborate on this aspect of the memo, the retailer recently revealed it is introducing a raft of security measures to combat rampant shoplifting amid the cost-of-living crisis.

It’s not just Woolies under the gun and dealing with increasing retail crime. Coles has also reported 'an increase in theft which is an issue affecting all retailers across Australia and internationally.'


Recently, we reported a Woolies shopper who was denied a cash-out request at the supermarket. Our members shared their thoughts on the retailer’s policy.

Member @JKM_Storyteller wrote: ‘Honestly, I don't think it's fair to expect supermarkets to be treated like a bank where you can rock up and make a cash withdrawal over the counter. And using their checkouts as ATMs? Nah.’

Member @AlanQ pointed out: ‘Just use the self-serve checkout, maybe even buy something, then take out cash. It's a supermarket offering something that is purely for the convenience of THEIR customers, not a substitute for a bank.’

However, other members reiterated the convenience of withdrawing at the supermarket. Member @siameezer said: ‘Post offices are NOT convenient for many, ATMS are NOT always close by, and some banks are NOT allowing cash withdrawals.’

‘I regularly get $200 and sometimes more at the (manned) checkout. It’s a service they offer, and there’s nothing wrong in using it,’ member @Thecheesequeen shared.


Key Takeaways
  • Woolworths has changed its cash-withdrawal policies, reducing the withdrawal limit to $200 per transaction.
  • Reports say that starting late October, customers can only withdraw cash during a purchase.
  • These changes, confirmed by Woolworths, are being implemented due to the majority of customers preferring card transactions.
  • Security concerns over maintaining large quantities of cash in stores have instigated various new security measures.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you get cash out regularly at Woolworths? Let us know in the comments!
 
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So they lowered the amount you can withdraw from 500 to 200, that negates your story.

They offered this service to the people, so it is a bank. We never asked, they offered, get your facts straight.
What they have probably found that over the past few years is that the average amount withdrawn has reduced and therefore have decided that they need to reduce the maximum that customers can take out. If someone wants more they can do multiple transactions but I think $200 is a good amount to take out regularly!
 
I never use an ATM as I don't consider them safe from other people who can rob you but getting money out at the supermarkets when you shop is much safer. Let's hope they don't stop it altogether but I do understand they are not a bank but when banks do not give you cash it does make life difficult for some!
like you I avoid ATM.
 
So they lowered the amount you can withdraw from 500 to 200, that negates your story.

They offered this service to the people, so it is a bank. We never asked, they offered, get your facts straight.
That doesn't make them a bank, just go there and try to deposit some money. As they offered, they are entitled to unoffer if they so wish.
 
That doesn't make them a bank, just go there and try to deposit some money. As they offered, they are entitled to unoffer if they so wish.
Every time you go there you deposit money, they are like a bank. Why are you sticking up for them, must have shares. Toss.
 
Every time you go there you deposit money, they are like a bank. Why are you sticking up for them, must have shares. Toss.
I'm not sticking up for them and I certainly don't have shares, just stating a plain fact. It doesn't matter how much we grumble about things the truth of the matter is that it is their business and they are entitled to do as they please.
I voted with my feet a long time ago and never shop in Woolworths so I don't really care what they do.
There's always a solution for people if it's such a problem. Do a small shop, withdraw $200, do another small shop, go thru a different checkout and get another $200.
Personally I couldn't be bothered, but perhaps people who don't have access to an ATM mught.
Usually if there is a big supermarket in the area, there is an ATM somewhere.
I have the opposite problem, I live in a very small country town in the wheatbelt. We actually have an ATM, but I would need to empty it to be able to afford to shop here. I have to do a round 300km trip to shop.
.No use complaining, my choice to live here.
 
I'm not sticking up for them and I certainly don't have shares, just stating a plain fact. It doesn't matter how much we grumble about things the truth of the matter is that it is their business and they are entitled to do as they please.
I voted with my feet a long time ago and never shop in Woolworths so I don't really care what they do.
There's always a solution for people if it's such a problem. Do a small shop, withdraw $200, do another small shop, go thru a different checkout and get another $200.
Personally I couldn't be bothered, but perhaps people who don't have access to an ATM mught.
Usually if there is a big supermarket in the area, there is an ATM somewhere.
I have the opposite problem, I live in a very small country town in the wheatbelt. We actually have an ATM, but I would need to empty it to be able to afford to shop here. I have to do a round 300km trip to shop.
.No use complaining, my choice to live here.
We just have to suck it up as the saying goes. Big companies have no empathy, one day the shoe will be on the other as they say.
 
so technically you could walk up to a self serve checkout with two items.....you scan one and pay for it and also get $200 cash out. Then you start a new transaction and pay for the second item and get a further $200 cash out,... ad infinitum I guess until you have the amount of cash you need...........is that how you do it folks, I'm darned if I know if this would work.......what do you think folks ?
 
People, you are forgetting that when Woolworths started offering cash out it was at manned registers, the self service came many years later.
 
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Cashless societies going berserk. Then you get the scenario like at my local shopping centre where, a major chain BANK (NAT) rips their ATM out of the ground that used to stand within 10mts of the Woolies store. If you need it you can't get your bank max withdraw out of a supermarket.
 
Are you one of the folks who routinely withdraw cash at Woolworths? We have some news for you.

Recently, an internal memo about Woolworths’ cash-withdrawal policies was leaked online, prompting the supermarket to issue a statement confirming some big changes.


The note stated that the cash withdrawal limit is being reduced to $200 per store transaction, a significant drop from their previous limit of $500.


View attachment 29603
Woolworths has changed its cash-withdrawal policies, reducing the withdrawal limit to $200 per transaction. Credit: Reddit


Currently, customers can withdraw money without making a purchase, but the leaked document states that cash withdrawals will only be available for those who bought at the store.

According to reports, the changes will be rolled out over the coming weeks, and all cash withdrawals won’t be possible without a purchase by the end of October.

It’s worth nothing though that in the leaked memo, the stated effectivity of the lowered cash withdrawal limit is September 12.

Offering an explanation for the change, Woolies spokesperson said reducing the amount of cash handled in stores corresponds with customer habits.

'This is due to the lack of cash being used in transactions, with the majority of customers opting for card-only transactions such as Everyday Pay,' the spokesperson stated.

The retailer also assured that they’re not planning on removing cash transactions altogether: ‘We understand cash remains an important payment option for some customers, and that’s why we'll continue to offer the ability to withdraw cash.’


Social media users have mixed reactions to this change. Some will be affected by this new policy, as one user wrote: ‘Oh, that's unfortunate because sometimes I get rent money out from the supermarket.’

‘The worst part of this change is that you are now required to purchase an item to withdraw cash rather than the current system where you don’t need to make a purchase,’ another user pointed out.

On the other hand, some shoppers claimed they don’t have an issue with this. ‘I don't really have any issue with this. They aren't a bank,’ a person commented.

‘Good. It's a grocery store, not a bank,’ another said.

The leaked document also states that keeping large volumes of cash in stores presents a security risk for team members. While the spokesperson didn't elaborate on this aspect of the memo, the retailer recently revealed it is introducing a raft of security measures to combat rampant shoplifting amid the cost-of-living crisis.

It’s not just Woolies under the gun and dealing with increasing retail crime. Coles has also reported 'an increase in theft which is an issue affecting all retailers across Australia and internationally.'


Recently, we reported a Woolies shopper who was denied a cash-out request at the supermarket. Our members shared their thoughts on the retailer’s policy.

Member @JKM_Storyteller wrote: ‘Honestly, I don't think it's fair to expect supermarkets to be treated like a bank where you can rock up and make a cash withdrawal over the counter. And using their checkouts as ATMs? Nah.’

Member @AlanQ pointed out: ‘Just use the self-serve checkout, maybe even buy something, then take out cash. It's a supermarket offering something that is purely for the convenience of THEIR customers, not a substitute for a bank.’

However, other members reiterated the convenience of withdrawing at the supermarket. Member @siameezer said: ‘Post offices are NOT convenient for many, ATMS are NOT always close by, and some banks are NOT allowing cash withdrawals.’

‘I regularly get $200 and sometimes more at the (manned) checkout. It’s a service they offer, and there’s nothing wrong in using it,’ member @Thecheesequeen shared.


Key Takeaways

  • Woolworths has changed its cash-withdrawal policies, reducing the withdrawal limit to $200 per transaction.
  • Reports say that starting late October, customers can only withdraw cash during a purchase.
  • These changes, confirmed by Woolworths, are being implemented due to the majority of customers preferring card transactions.
  • Security concerns over maintaining large quantities of cash in stores have instigated various new security measures.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you get cash out regularly at Woolworths? Let us know in the comments!
Woolworths has made themselves a bank by providing withdrawal services with or without a purchase and up to $500. To now change that will obviously affect people who have been using that service, as banks are now back to charging ridiculous fees for withdrawals at the ATM and no option to go to the bank for the withdrawal as they are all closing their branches.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Trouper21
Are you one of the folks who routinely withdraw cash at Woolworths? We have some news for you.

Recently, an internal memo about Woolworths’ cash-withdrawal policies was leaked online, prompting the supermarket to issue a statement confirming some big changes.


The note stated that the cash withdrawal limit is being reduced to $200 per store transaction, a significant drop from their previous limit of $500.


View attachment 29603
Woolworths has changed its cash-withdrawal policies, reducing the withdrawal limit to $200 per transaction. Credit: Reddit


Currently, customers can withdraw money without making a purchase, but the leaked document states that cash withdrawals will only be available for those who bought at the store.

According to reports, the changes will be rolled out over the coming weeks, and all cash withdrawals won’t be possible without a purchase by the end of October.

It’s worth nothing though that in the leaked memo, the stated effectivity of the lowered cash withdrawal limit is September 12.

Offering an explanation for the change, Woolies spokesperson said reducing the amount of cash handled in stores corresponds with customer habits.

'This is due to the lack of cash being used in transactions, with the majority of customers opting for card-only transactions such as Everyday Pay,' the spokesperson stated.

The retailer also assured that they’re not planning on removing cash transactions altogether: ‘We understand cash remains an important payment option for some customers, and that’s why we'll continue to offer the ability to withdraw cash.’


Social media users have mixed reactions to this change. Some will be affected by this new policy, as one user wrote: ‘Oh, that's unfortunate because sometimes I get rent money out from the supermarket.’

‘The worst part of this change is that you are now required to purchase an item to withdraw cash rather than the current system where you don’t need to make a purchase,’ another user pointed out.

On the other hand, some shoppers claimed they don’t have an issue with this. ‘I don't really have any issue with this. They aren't a bank,’ a person commented.

‘Good. It's a grocery store, not a bank,’ another said.

The leaked document also states that keeping large volumes of cash in stores presents a security risk for team members. While the spokesperson didn't elaborate on this aspect of the memo, the retailer recently revealed it is introducing a raft of security measures to combat rampant shoplifting amid the cost-of-living crisis.

It’s not just Woolies under the gun and dealing with increasing retail crime. Coles has also reported 'an increase in theft which is an issue affecting all retailers across Australia and internationally.'


Recently, we reported a Woolies shopper who was denied a cash-out request at the supermarket. Our members shared their thoughts on the retailer’s policy.

Member @JKM_Storyteller wrote: ‘Honestly, I don't think it's fair to expect supermarkets to be treated like a bank where you can rock up and make a cash withdrawal over the counter. And using their checkouts as ATMs? Nah.’

Member @AlanQ pointed out: ‘Just use the self-serve checkout, maybe even buy something, then take out cash. It's a supermarket offering something that is purely for the convenience of THEIR customers, not a substitute for a bank.’

However, other members reiterated the convenience of withdrawing at the supermarket. Member @siameezer said: ‘Post offices are NOT convenient for many, ATMS are NOT always close by, and some banks are NOT allowing cash withdrawals.’

‘I regularly get $200 and sometimes more at the (manned) checkout. It’s a service they offer, and there’s nothing wrong in using it,’ member @Thecheesequeen shared.


Key Takeaways

  • Woolworths has changed its cash-withdrawal policies, reducing the withdrawal limit to $200 per transaction.
  • Reports say that starting late October, customers can only withdraw cash during a purchase.
  • These changes, confirmed by Woolworths, are being implemented due to the majority of customers preferring card transactions.
  • Security concerns over maintaining large quantities of cash in stores have instigated various new security measures.

What do you think of this story, members? Do you get cash out regularly at Woolworths? Let us know in the comments!
With Banks closing branches and ATMs less available, it is sometimes the only way people can make a cash withdrawl. Let's not abuse the option.
 
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Woolworths has made themselves a bank by providing withdrawal services with or without a purchase and up to $500. To now change that will obviously affect people who have been using that service, as banks are now back to charging ridiculous fees for withdrawals at the ATM and no option to go to the bank for the withdrawal as they are all closing their branches.
Banks don't charge fees for ATM usage and the have an arrangement with a provided for their customers to use for free. Most ATM's at shopping malls, clubs and other venues are privately owned and do chare a fee of at least $2.50 so that is why I don't use them. It's strange to see people using them in front of Coles etc and then going into the supermarket and paying cash for their groceries. Just go and do your shopping and then withdraw what you want to.
 
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