Auckland tarot card reader denied Eftpos machine due to 'high risk' of tarot industry
Monday, 4 March 2019
An Auckland tarot card reader is asking Kiwibank to review its policies after being denied an Eftpos machine for her business.
Helena Bethune has banked with Kiwibank since at least 2012. She has run her own public relations company, Bethune Communications, for 10 years, and set up another small business, Helena Marie Tarot, in October 2018.
Tarot originated in the 15th century. Tarot readers pull cards – each of which has a particular meaning – from a deck and interpret them to give customers guidance about their lives.
Bethune has opened a business account for her tarot practice in Parnell and on Thursday, she emailed Kiwibank asking for a mobile Eftpos terminal.
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In response, a bank representative wrote: 'Unfortunately, Kiwibank does not offer Merchant Facilities for businesses associated with tarot card reading.
'I apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.'
Kiwibank spokeswoman Kara Tait said Kiwibank had a responsibility to New Zealand to be an economically viable business.
'Banks make commercial decisions on a case-by-case basis based on risk assessment,' she said.
'Tarot card reading is deemed high-risk due to the disproportionate incidence of disputes and chargebacks historically experienced within the industry. Due to the high risk, merchant services (Eftpos) is restricted.'
A 'chargeback' is the term used for debiting a merchant's bank account to return money to the customer. This often happens where the merchant has made an error at the point of sale or possible fraud has taken place.
There were other payment options available to tarot card readers, including bank-to-bank transfers or cash, Tait said.
Other industries Kiwibank deemed high-risk included dating websites and chat lines.
Bethune said she was confused by the email. She had seen more than 700 customers since starting tarot reading seven years ago and about 70 since setting up her business in October, she said.
'I have also operated out of four retail shops and all of them have happily let me use their Eftpos facilities and align with their brand.
'I have never had anyone dispute my service or the cost.'
Bethune said her customers were mostly professionals seeking advice on investments, property or relationships, and were not vulnerable people.
She said many people had their own perceptions about the tarot, but it was a 'holistic health tool' that could offer people guidance to make life decisions.
'My customers have a personal experience with me face to face, rather than some stranger on a psychic phone line who they have never met or seen.
'Kiwibank seems to be taking a one-size-fits-all approach to tarot readers which isn't very innovative for an innovative bank.'
Bethune said she would like to continue banking with Kiwibank. However, not having an Eftpos terminal was an inconvenience for her and her customers, and she felt the response from the bank was 'discouraging' for her as a small business owner.
She also wanted the bank to rethink its policy on tarot readers. There were 'some phonies out there', but they were few and far between, she said.
ANZ spokesman Stefan Herrick said he wasn't aware of any policies that prevented ANZ from providing banking services to tarot card readers.
However, the bank had some restrictions – for example, it wouldn't bank those known to be involved in illegal activities, as well as customers who couldn't show they would be able to manage risks associated with their business.
ASB said it also did not have the same policy for tarot card readers.
'We welcome all customers, provided they operate responsibly and are not carrying out activities that are against the law.'
BNZ, TSB and Westpac were also contacted for comment.