Help with your finances

Help understanding your financial position

To find out more information and check your eligibility, please speak to your Relationship Manager or call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497.
 

For our existing customers, download the Westpac Mobile App via the App store or Google Play (if you haven’t already done so) and ensure that you are comfortable navigating it.
 

• Downloading your proof of balance from online banking is a step towards helping you understand your financial position.
• Set up direct debit payments for regular and recurring transactions (like your utility bills and insurance payments).
• Nominate a trusted relative, friend or financial counsellor to transact with the bank on your behalf for a period of time. This can be done in one of two ways depending on the level of access you wish to grant.
  
• Third-Party Access: Complete the Third-Party Access Authority Form (PDF 111KB). This allows someone to transact on your behalf via Online Banking only. 
• Signatory Access: A signatory is someone you grant unrestricted account access to. This is achieved by completing a Notice of Authority form (PDF 788KB). Please note, adding a signatory grants the third party value access for in-branch transactions only.
• Visit a branch:
  Bring the completed form to a Westpac branch, along with:
  • The individual you wish to appoint as your third-party representative.
  • Identification for both you and the third-party representative.
  • Note: If you are living in Australia and unable to visit a branch due to mobility or other issues, you can complete a Certified Copy Certificate (PDF 654KB) and post it to a branch. The branch you send the form to must be the same one that the other party (account owner or third-party representative) will attend. The form allows for remote identification and it must include certified copies of your identification. For more information on how to get your documents certified, refer to How to get your documents certified (PDF 248KB).

Our branch team will assist you with the next steps to set up third-party access.  Please make an appointment to get started by using our Locate Us tool to find and contact your nearest branch. You will need to choose the level of access you would like to provide the third party on the form.

Third-Party Access Information

There are two types of access:

• View-only Access (Non-Value Access): Third parties can view account balances, transactions, and statements, initiate a stop cheque request on the account(s).
• Full Access (Value Access): In addition to the above, third parties can initiate and authorise payments, create or manage PayTo Payment Agreements, and make payments via Online Banking methods (e.g. Pay Anyone, Osko, etc.)
  
  

Sharing account access can simplify financial management and task delegation with trusted individuals. However, it's crucial to recognise and address potential risks associated with such arrangements.
Learn about Domestic Violence and Financial Abuse.

How to Remove or Edit Third-Party Access
Personal customers can update third-party access to their accounts by following these steps in Westpac Online Banking (Desktop):

1. Select the account you want to update.
2. Click on the down arrow next to the account details.
3. Choose Remove third-party access.
4. Confirm the action.

Important:

• You can only remove or edit access for someone you have previously granted third-party access to.
• Once third-party access is removed, it cannot be reinstated online. To restore access, you will need to complete the Third-Party Access Authority Form (PDF 111KB) and visit a branch. 
• Changes only apply to online access and will not affect other third-party arrangements (e.g. authorised signatories). To make these changes, you will need to visit a branch. Please contact the branch to book an appointment with a banker.
  Note:  If you're unable to remove third-party access via self serve, you can attend the branch or call us for assistance.
• Get a better understanding of your financial situation with our Managing Money guide (PDF 1MB). The guide prompts you through 5 steps to:
   

1. Track where your money goes.
2. Find out where you stand with debt.
3. Create a manageable budget.
4. Develop good money habits to help you stick to the budget.
5. Start to plan for a better financial future.

Helping make banking easy

Banking online and via mobile with Westpac Online and Mobile Banking App is simple, secure and easy. It can help you manage your finances. You can pay bills, set-up direct debits and manage your accounts. You can transfer funds, access your statements and much more. Follow the simple steps below to register:
 

1. Go to westpac.com.au/register
2. Have your Westpac customer ID*,
3. Credit/debit card or account number ready
4. Answer simple security questions
5. Set up a password
6. Provide basic contact details
    

Let’s get started.
 

Help to free up funds and ease the financial strain

Help managing your home loan

For our existing customers, we have options available to help ease the financial pressure during this difficult time. Call us on 132 558 to find out how we can help.

Help managing your credit card

Here are some tips to help you manage your credit card - all can be set up via Online Banking or Mobile App;
 

• Setting up SmartPlan payments is a great way to help split big buys into small repayments, putting you in control of your finances. T&Cs apply.
• Credit card control spend allows you to temporarily switch off your credit card spending, until you’re ready to use your card again.
• Decrease credit card limit
• Set up Repayment reminders to help manage your cashflow.

General cost cutting ideas

Below we’ve outlined some ways to free up funds during times of uncertainty.
 

• Identify your spending leaks and plug them.
• Menu plan and prepare home cooked meals instead of takeaway.
• Review your service providers, such as electricity and internet, to ensure you’ve got the best deal for you.
• Reassess your energy usage. Can you reduce the cost by using LED lighting, setting your aircon to a higher temperature, or turning off appliances when not in use?
• Check your subscription services and cancel any that you no longer need/use.
• Review your insurances to see if they’re still relevant and necessary.
   

For more cost-cutting ideas view our comprehensive checklist (PDF 191KB).

Experiencing financial difficulty?

If you’re experiencing financial difficulty, worried you can’t make your repayments or your income has significantly changed as a result of your condition, contact Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497. They’re here to help.
 

If you are experiencing financial abuse or are concerned about your safety please contact our Priority Assist team on 1800 063 509.