Australia is phasing out cheques
From 1 July 2028, you can no longer issue cheques. Now is a good time to start preparing. We can help you switch to safe ways to pay and get paid.
Why cheques are being phased out
It’s all part of Australia’s program to modernise the payment system.
- Cheques now make up less than 0.1% of retail payments.
- Digital options are widely available and growing.
- Most people and businesses prefer secure digital payments.
Dates to remember
Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- 1 July 2028 – you can no longer write new cheques or order bank cheques.
- 1 October 2029 – you can no longer deposit cheques into your account.
Some banks and organisations may stop issuing and accepting cheques earlier.
What this means for you
- You can still write and deposit cheques for now.
- There are no changes to your account details or how your account works.
- Overtime, all cheques (including personal, business, government and bank cheques) will end.
We’ll keep you updated along the way and provide support online, via the BankSA App, in branch or by phone if you need it.
How other Australians are preparing
Many cheque users are already switching to other payment options. Here’s what you can do:
- If you don’t have Internet Banking, register now on your computer or mobile.
- Download the BankSA App on your mobile or tablet.
- Start using secure digital payments. For help, see the Personal and Business Payments sections on this page.
- Plan to stop using and accepting cheques soon.
- Dispose of cheque books safely: cut them up and put them in a secure bin.
Bank safely online
- BankSA guarantees your Internet and Mobile Banking security with BankSA Secure™
- Within the BankSA App we’ve introduced the Security Wellbeing Check – a comprehensive list of features that should be updated to ensure you’re provided with additional protection.
- If your BankSA account is compromised due to Online Banking fraud, we guarantee to repay any missing funds, provided you complied with our Internet Banking Terms and Conditions.
- Protected by our market-leading BankSA Secure Adaptive Authentication – a comprehensive, real-time, authentication and fraud detection platform that monitors your banking behaviour.
- BankSA Secure Code service sends a unique code to your registered mobile phone number via SMS to authenticate certain types of Internet Banking transactions.
- We have rigorous security measures in place, as well as security teams working to protect your details and accounts.
Personal payments
Get ready for the change by using other ways to pay and get paid. Here are common situations and alternate options for each.
I want to make a payment
- BPAY® – pay from your account using a biller code and reference number.
- Regular payments and scheduled transfers – set up regular automatic payments from your account, or schedule a payment transfer up to 24 months in advance, so bills can be paid on time.
- ETF (Electronic Funds Transfer) – send money to an Australian bank account using the biller’s BSB and account number.
- PayTo® – set up recurring bills, memberships, subscriptions and one-off payments using a PayTo agreement, that you authorise in Internet Banking.
- Phone Banking – pay bills by phone, where you see the BPAY® logo.
I want to get paid
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) – receive money into your account by giving the payer your account name, BSB and account number.
Business payments
Soon your business will need to stop accepting and writing cheques. Get ready now by using other ways to pay and get paid. Here are some common situations.
I want to take payments
- EFTPOS Now – take secure card payments on the go, or from your counter.
- PayID® – A way to receive money without giving out your BSB and account number. Create a unique “PayID” by linking your mobile number, or ABN to your bank account via Internet Banking. Then you can share your PayID, to get paid.
- BPAY® – a quick way for customers to pay using internet banking or by phone.
I want to pay someone
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) – send money to an Australian bank account using the biller’s account name, BSB and account number.
- BPAY® – pay from your account using a biller code and reference number.
- PayID® – make real-time payments using the payee/biller’s mobile number, or ABN linked to their account.
- Regular payments and scheduled transfers – set up regular automatic payments from your account, or schedule a payment transfer up to 24 months in advance, so bills can be paid on time.
- PayTo® – set up recurring bills, memberships, subscriptions and one-off payments using a PayTo agreement, that you authorise in Internet Banking.
Important information
This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your personal objectives, circumstances and needs and into account. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.
Read the Internet and Phone Banking Terms and Conditions (PDF 515KB) at banksa.com.au before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
BankSA Secure: If your BankSA account is compromised due to Internet Banking fraud, we guarantee to repay any missing funds, provided you complied with our Internet Banking Terms and Conditions (PDF 515KB). This includes keeping your logon details (including passwords, BankSA Secure codes) private, not participating in the unauthorised transaction, and immediately notifying us when you suspect an unauthorised transaction or potential fraud on your accounts.
PayTo® and PayID® are registered trademarks of NPP Australia Limited.
BPAY® and Osko® are registered trademarks of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518.