Enhance your security and keep your accounts safe in the Westpac App

January 2026 - 5 minutes' read

What's in this article

• Discover how Westpac's security features work and how they help safeguard your accounts from evolving scams and fraudulent activity
• Learn how to avoid bank impersonation scams with SafeCall
• Understand how authentication tools and real time monitoring help protect your accounts from fraud
• Find out how to quickly lock your accounts and cards in an emergency with SafeBlock.

We put security first, so you can bank with confidence. The Westpac App is packed with security features and offers multiple layers of protection to help safeguard your personal and financial information, giving you greater peace of mind when banking online. 

1. Activate your Westpac Protect™ Security Device

Once activated, a one-time passcode is sent to your registered Security Device helping to strengthen the overall security of your Online Banking. This helps to add another layer of protection when banking online by confirming it’s you who’s making transactions or changes within your account.
This Two Factor Authentication (2FA) requirement significantly reduces the chances of unauthorised access by cybercriminals, even if they obtain or guess your Online Banking password.

2. Use your biometric to sign in

Simplify the way you sign in without having to remember your password. Use unique information held on your device such as fingerprints, facial features or nominate a 4-digit passcode. This makes it difficult for an unauthorised individual to replicate or guess, reducing the risk of identity theft and unauthorised access.

3. Turn on Push Notifications 

Push Notifications are an easy way to stay in touch with your money and the activities on your account.  With real-time alerts such as a Security Code for payments and features, notifications of deposits or withdrawals, changes to your personal details or adjustments to your daily payment limits, stay informed without having to sign in. Setting up Push Notifications may assist in early detection of fraudulent activity and help you manage your finances. 

4. Switch on SafeCall

SafeCall lets you receive verified calls directly through the Westpac App, so you can be confident the call is really from us. You'll see the reason for the call, and if you miss it, the app will notify you which team called — simply sign back in to call us back. Make sure SafeCall is switched on so we can reach you securely. You can do this by searching 'SafeCall' in the Westpac App.

If you receive a call outside the Westpac App that isn't SafeCall and you're ever unsure, ask for a reference number, hang up and call us back securely via the App.

5. Turn on mobile app permissions 

Granting us these requested permissions is one of the many ways we can help to protect you from fraud. For instance, granting location access can help us detect unusual account activity from unexpected places.

These mobile app permissions also allow you to access specific features of information on your device. For example, allowing access to your camera enables you to scan and upload cheques or activate your cards. To find out more about the data we collect and the features we access read about the Mobile App permissions for iPhone and Android.

6. Security Wellbeing Check

Take the easy route and visit the Security Wellbeing Check. It’s a list of safety measures designed to provide valuable insights into your digital security habits and enhance your protection. This empowers you to help stay ahead of cyber threats, helping to ensure that your online banking experience remains safe and secure.

7. Lock your cards and account with SafeBlock

SafeBlock is an emergency feature that lets you instantly lock your accounts and cards if you think you’ve been scammed or shared information with a scammer. 

Once activated, SafeBlock immediately prevents new online payments, transfers, card purchases and ATM withdrawals, helping prevent further activity. Scheduled payments and incoming deposits continue as normal, so your everyday banking isn't disrupted. 

When you're ready, you can unlock your accounts in the Westpac App or Online Banking. SafeBlock gives you fast, simple control in moments when acting quickly really matters.

As cyber threats and scams continue to evolve, we’re always working to introduce new features like SafeCall and SafeBlock to help keep your banking safe, adding extra layers of fraud and scam defence. By staying informed and using the tools available, you can better safeguard your financial information and enjoy our secure Online Banking experience.

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