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 Westpac 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 Online Banking, register now on your computer or mobile.
- Download the Westpac 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: bring them to a branch or cut them up and put them in a secure bin.
Westpac Protect™ Online Banking Security Guarantee
When banking online, we have a safeguard against fraud. Westpac Protect™ Security Code uses a one-off code via a notification from the App or as an SMS to your mobile phone to confirm certain transactions via text message.
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.
Direct Debit
Set up regular, automatic payments from your account, so bills are paid on time.
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
Send money to an Australian bank account using a BSB and account number.
PayTo®
Set up recurring bills, memberships, subscriptions and one-off payments using a PayTo agreement, that you authorise in Online Banking.
Telephone Banking
Pay bills by phone where you see the BPAY® logo.
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
Send money from your account using their BSB and account number.
PayID®
Send money from your account, via Online Banking or the Westpac app, using the mobile number or email linked to their account.
BPAY®
Pay a loan or credit card using a biller code and a reference number.
Direct Debit
Set up regular automatic payments from your account, so bills can be paid on time.
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
Pay from your account using a BSB and account number.
Telephone Banking
Pay your credit card or loan by phone.
International Money Transfer
Send foreign currency overseas via Online Banking or the Westpac App.
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
Pay into an Australian bank account using a BSB and account number.
PayID®
Send money from your account, via Online Banking or the Westpac app, using the payee’s mobile number or email linked to the account.
I want to get paid:
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
Receive money into your account by giving them your BSB and account number.
PayID®
A way to receive money without giving out your BSB and account number. Create a ‘PayID” by linking your mobile number to your bank account via Online Banking or the Westpac app. Then you can share your mobile number as your PayID, to get paid.
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 Air
Take secure payments on a compatible mobile phone or tablet.
PayID®
A way to receive money without giving out your BSB and account number. Create a unique ‘PayID' by linking your mobile number, email or ABN to your bank account via Online Banking or the Westpac app. Then you can share your PayID, to get paid.
Easy BPAY®
A quick way for customers to pay using internet banking or by phone.
PayTo Biller
Collect pre-authorised payments for bills, subscriptions, online shopping and more.
EFTPOS Now or Flex
Take card payments on the go, or from a fixed terminal.
EFTPOS Air
Take secure payments on a compatible mobile phone or tablet.
EFTPOS Air
Take secure payments on a compatible mobile phone or tablet.
Online Payments and Ecommerce
Accept secure online payment through your website, via payment links or in batches.
PayTo Biller
Collect pre-authorised payments for bills, subscriptions, online shopping and more.
Easy BPAY®
A quick way for customers to pay using internet banking or by phone.
PayWay Batch Payments
Process large volumes of online and credit card payments in one file upload.
PayWay Recurring Billing
Schedule recurring payments by credit card and direct debit for memberships and subscriptions.
PayTo Biller
Collect pre-authorised payments for bills, subscriptions, online shopping and more.
I want to pay someone:
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
Pay small or large bills using a 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, email or ABN linked to their account.
PayTo®
Set up recurring bills, memberships, subscriptions and one-off payments using a PayTo agreement, that you authorise in Online Banking.
International Money Transfer
Send foreign currency overseas via Online Banking or the Westpac App.
Things you should know
This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your personal objectives, circumstances and needs into account. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.
Read the Westpac Online Banking Terms and Conditions at before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
Westpac’s Online Banking Security Guarantee: If your Westpac account is compromised as a result of Internet fraud, we guarantee to repay any missing funds, providing you comply with our Online Banking Terms and Conditions. This includes keeping your sign-in details (including passwords, Westpac Protect™ SMS codes and SecurID® Token codes) private. You must inform us immediately if you suspect the security of your access details has been compromised, or 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.