What's the issue with using POLi?

The only downside I've ever run into, was a longer refund time compared to credit/debit card, but it was still well worth it to avoid the surcharge.

I tried to buy online four Powerline adapters from PB Tech recently using PayPal as they had the PayPal icon on their website.  But when I got to the online checkout there was no option to use PayPal.  I telephoned them and after a bit of telephone tag in their Head office I learnt they only accept PayPal for buyers from outside of NZ.  How crazy is that?

I then discovered JB-Hi Fi had the exact item I need and also accept PayPal, so I bought from JB Hi-Fi.

Mehrts:

 

What's the issue with using POLi?

 

The only downside I've ever run into, was a longer refund time compared to credit/debit card, but it was still well worth it to avoid the surcharge.

So you don't see an issue with giving your internet banking login details to a third party breaching your agreement with the bank to keep this secure?

Do not use POLi especially when there are other options. I always pay by credit card personally at PB despite the fee because then I am both covered from a Fraud perspective (Visa's Zero Liability) and also do get points too which makes up for some of the extra cost.

POLi is whats called a "Screen Scraper" which logs onto your internet banking on your behalf - they collect your account history and then pay themselves as a bill payment. Because you're entering your details on a third party site you're not covered if fraud were to happen here.

And then there are refunds - if anything goes wrong then you're at full mercy of whoever you paid. Lets just imagine if you used POLi on Jetstar, do you honestly think you'll get your money back in a timely manner? With a credit card you can log a dispute which reverses the transaction in an event the flight was cancelled.

I honestly think that any retailer offering poli should have all banking services pulled since they are violating their terms with their bank by allowing unauthorized access to the online banking. But banks seem to be just turning a blind eye to it.

@michaelmurfy fair call, to be honest I've never thought of the repercussions that might come with POLi. Will definitely look at other options.

gustov:

 

I tried to buy online four Powerline adapters from PB Tech recently using PayPal as they had the PayPal icon on their website.  But when I got to the online checkout there was no option to use PayPal.  I telephoned them and after a bit of telephone tag in their Head office I learnt they only accept PayPal for buyers from outside of NZ.  How crazy is that?

 

I then discovered JB-Hi Fi had the exact item I need and also accept PayPal, so I bought from JB Hi-Fi.

 

I paid via PayPal using my NZ-issued card recently for a Click & Collect purchase from PB Tech. Very strange that they say PayPal only for buyers outside of NZ.

Even stranger, I only used PayPal because their normal credit card process (via some provider like Windcave or similar IRRC) refused to accept my NZ-issued credit card with an error saying something along the lines of 'we do not accept foriegn cards, use PayPal instead'. Hence the use of PayPal...

All very strange indeed. My take away from all this is that PayPal is a good backup if the normal credit card process fails--and the 2.5% fee is the same for either so no harm going either way. Try one and if it fails hopefully the other will work!

When I am happy to wait a day or two for delivery, I usually buy from Ascent who has no trouble whatsoever with accepting bank transfers within a few hours and has exceptional customer service.