Minimise fees

Minimise fees and keep more money in your pocket

Keep extra charges to a minimum by banking smarter. Follow these tips to reduce or avoid bank fees and charges.

• Use BankSA, St.George or Westpac ATMs in Australia
• Use Internet and Phone Banking
• Check you have an appropriate bank account for your needs
• Check if you are eligible for a Complete Freedom Student or Retirement Access Plus account
• Combine multiple accounts into one BankSA account
• Monitor your accounts with real time SMS and Email Alerts²
• Schedule your payments in advance
• Minimise statement frequency
• Limit your number of withdrawals
• Swap your passbook for a card

Use BankSA, St.George or Westpac ATMs

Sometimes simply crossing the street can save you some money. Be sure to use a BankSA, St.George or Westpac ATM to avoid charges imposed by the ATM operator.

• Find your nearest BankSA, St.George or Westpac ATM

Use our SMS ATM Locator. Simply SMS your suburb and state to 199 44 ATM (199 44 286) and we'll reply with the addresses of local ATMs. A $0.40 SMS fee applies and is billed by your carrier to your mobile phone account. SMS Helpline 1800 195 773

Use Internet and Phone Banking

Get the convenience of banking 24/7¹ without leaving your home or office.

• Internet, Mobile and Phone Banking let you easily monitor and manage your accounts and perform transactions that might cost you more inside a branch.
• Pay a bill via BPAY®, transfer to an account in Australia or overseas, schedule payments in advance and much more.

Check you have the best bank account for your needs

We have a range of bank accounts to suit different customer needs and transaction requirements. Use our handy selectors to check you have the right account.

• Choose the best transaction account for me
• Choose the best savings account for me

Check if you are eligible for a Complete Freedom Student or Retirement Access Plus Account

We have accounts designed especially for students and retirees and pensioners. You could save on account service fees and transaction fees.

• Students should consider our Complete Freedom Student Account
• Retirees and pensioners should consider our Retirement Access Plus Account.

Combine multiple accounts into one BankSA account

Spreading your money over a number of accounts exposes your money to potentially more charges. Consider consolidating your accounts and transfer funds to your preferred BankSA account.

Monitor your accounts with real-time SMS and email alerts²

SMS and email alerts are an efficient way for you to receive updates on your accounts, providing more control over your finances and a greater sense of security:

• Register for SMS and Email Alerts via Internet Banking or over the phone.
• Email Alerts are free and SMS Alerts are charged at $0.25 per SMS².

Customers with a Complete Freedom Account or Express Freedom Account receive 10 free SMS Alerts per month.

Limit your number of withdrawals

Try limiting the number of withdrawals you make from your account. If you currently withdraw small amounts nearly every day, try withdrawing slightly larger amounts once or twice a week.

Consider requesting cash when purchasing goods using EFTPOS. You're making two transactions, however they only count as one.

Schedule your payments in advance

Keep on top of your bills and make payments on time by utilising the Scheduled Payments function for BPAY® and payee transfers:

• Scheduled Payments are quick and easy to set up - just log on to Internet Banking and follow the prompts, or call the Internet Banking Help Desk on 1300 555 203.
• You can even set up an Email Alert to let you know when your transaction has been successfully processed.

Minimise statement frequency

If you have your printed statement issued more than once a month, think about changing the frequency by requesting monthly, quarterly or six monthly statements.

Your most recent transaction information can be accessed using Internet or Phone Banking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.¹

Swap your passbook for a card

You incur unnecessary fees when using the branch every time you need to make a withdrawal. By swapping your passbook transactions for an ATM or Visa® Debit card you can access your money at any ATM or EFTPOS terminal.³ Electronic transactions incur lower fees than over the counter fees. You can swap your passbook for a card by visiting any BankSA branch or calling 13 13 76.