With the ongoing decline in cheque usage, we’re working towards phasing out cheques
Australia’s payment landscape is changing. More Australians are leaving behind their chequebooks and choosing simpler, more reliable and immediate electronic payments. This decline has led to us introducing some changes to the way cheque payments are supported.
Important dates
New Customers from 1 August 2023
- Cheque books will not be available for all new accounts opened after 1 August.
Existing Customers from 1 September 2023
- 1 September 2023 - Chequebooks will not be automatically reissued. Chequebooks will still be available upon request if you contact us or visit a branch.
- 1 November 2023 - Chequebooks will no longer be available to order on existing accounts. Customers with existing chequebooks will be able to retain these.
- As we move towards the overall removal of cheques as a payment and deposit service, we will keep you updated on the timing of any additional changes.
Typical cheque payments and alternate payment options
| Payment activity | Payment options that may be suitable |
| Pay a bill |
|
| Pay a friend or send a gift |
|
| Send money overseas |
|
| Pay instalments |
|
| Make a payment at auction |
|
| Business & Club payment activity | Payment options that may be suitable |
| Pay an Invoice or Supplier |
|
| Settle a property purchase |
|
| Business accounts – 2 to sign |
|
| Payroll and payments to creditors |
|
| Make a same day high value payment |
|
| Cash withdrawal for Petty Cash/Register |
|
Still receiving cheques?
If you receive cheques such as payments from the Government, from customers, or as shareholder dividends, consider giving them your BSB and account number. This will provide faster, more convenient, and more secure payments direct to your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you phasing out cheques?
Australia’s payment landscape is changing. More Australians are leaving behind their cheque books and choosing simpler, more reliable and immediate electronic payments.
In light of this, many Australian banks are reviewing the direction of cheques in the future.
With cheques now used less frequently, we’re introducing some changes to the way our cheque payments are supported.
Can I still order cheque books?
Existing customers that currently hold a cheque book facility on their account will be able to order cheque books until 1 November 2023. After this date, your current cheque books will remain valid until we stop offering cheques as a payment service.
Can I still deposit cheques at an ATM?
Yes, our ATMs will continue to accept cheque payments until we stop offering cheques as a payment service.
What will happen to the CHQ option on my card?
These changes only relate to cheque books and cheques there will be no changes to your debit cards functionality.
I have a cheque account what does this mean for me?
As these changes only relate to cheques and cheque books, your account will remain as a transaction account.
