Why is Australia transitioning away from cheques?
The decision comes as cheque usage continues to decline rapidly.
Financial institutions understand the need to help customers transition to faster, safer, and more convenient digital payment methods and are available to provide assistance with these alternatives.
A coordinated response to long-term decline
In June 2023, the Australian Government released its Strategic Plan for Australia’s Payments System, which outlined the key priorities and supporting initiatives for Australia’s payments system. One of the key priorities was modernising payments infrastructure, including by phasing out cheques.
In November 2024, following a consultation process, the Government released its Cheques Transition Plan, which outlined next steps to ensure that the transition away from cheques is smooth and Australians who use cheques are well supported through the transition.
Cheques Transition timeline
To ensure the cheques transition is smooth and cheque users are well supported, the Australian Government has announced a timeline to facilitate the wind down of the cheques system.
Under the Cheques Transition Plan, the winding down of cheques will occur in two phases:
By 30 June 2028
Personal, commercial, government and bank cheques cannot be written after this date.
Cheques written after this date will not be accepted and no payment will be made.
On 30 September 2029
Personal, commercial, government and bank cheques cannot be deposited after this date.
Cheques will no longer be accepted for payment by banks and financial institutions.
You are encouraged to engage with your bank or financial institution so they can support you accessing the financial services you need.
A coordinated effort for a smooth transition
In July 2025, AusPayNet received a final determination from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), granting authorisation for it to oversee the Cheques Transition Program. The Final Authorisation enables collaboration among industry participants and other key stakeholders on the coordination program.
The Program includes workstreams on overall migration management, migration of use cases, clear and consistent industry communications and government relations.
While banks and financial institutions are leading communication with their customers, AusPayNet – the self-regulatory body for the payments industry – is meeting with industry bodies and advocacy groups representing regular cheque users including charities, people in rural and remote areas, and older Australians.
On behalf of the payments industry, the Cheques Transition Program will generate awareness of the transition away from cheques and help provide the necessary tools and resources to support regular cheque users through this transition.
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