Frequently asked questions

Government and industry have collectively agreed to wind down Australia’s cheques system to promote the use of more modern and efficient payments. The decision follows many years of declining cheque usage with cheques accounting for less than 0.1% of the total volume of retail payments in Australia.

Cheques will no longer be issued after 30 June 2028 and will no longer be accepted after 30 September 2029 (see Cheques Transition Plan). The payments industry, banks and financial institutions are now working together to ensure a smooth and orderly transition away from cheques, and that cheque users are supported in the transition.

Although once a cornerstone of Australia’s payments system, cheques now account for less than 0.1% of the total volume of retail payments in Australia. As such, some financial institutions may have already ceased handling cheques.

However, the major banks have all committed to continue handling cheques in line with the timeline set out in the Cheques Transition Plan (cease issuance of cheques by 30 June 2028 and cease acceptance of cheques on 30 September 2029). These end dates have been established by the Government to ensure the transition is managed in an orderly manner that limits adverse impacts on the community.

If you are unsure about the plans for your bank or financial institution, we encourage you to reach out to them for more details.

To enable a smooth transition, the Commonwealth will develop legislative amendments to meet the cheques transition timing and in line with established practice, including public consultation.

The industry understands that the wind down of the cheques system may affect your ability to receive and make payments for everyday transactions. Please be assured there are many alternative ways to pay that are faster, more efficient, convenient and have additional protection measures. These alternatives include:

• Bank@Post
• BPAY
• credit and debit cards
• eftpos
• direct debit
• account-to-account (PayTo).

You are urged to contact your bank or financial institution for support accessing convenient payment services - they are committed to helping you.

We understand the change in payment methods is difficult for some people. The transition plan provides time for banks and financial institutions to assist customers with the adjustment.

Digital payment alternatives are faster, more efficient, convenient and have additional protection measures - you are urged to speak to your bank or financial institution for support and assistance in accessing alternative methods including digital payments.
In recognition of the difficulties that some groups experience in accessing digital methods of payment, both Government and industry are already engaging in education, infrastructure, and outreach programs to enhance the digital capabilities of Australians and help them transition to other payments methods.

The Australian Government’s ‘Be Connected’ program offers free online learning programs including Online Banking and Mobile Banking, aimed at building digital skills and confidence. For more information, visit: beconnected.esafety.gov.au.

Your bank or financial institution can help you set up online banking. We recommend you speak to them and ask for assistance.

The Government and financial services industry understand this change is difficult or uncertain for some and are committed to supporting all cheque users throughout the transition. As a first step, you are encouraged to contact your bank or financial institution. They will be happy to explain the alternative payment methods available to you and help you transition to these alternatives.

We understand the change in payment methods is difficult for some people. The transition plan provides time for banks and financial institutions to assist customers with the adjustment.

Digital payment alternatives are faster, more efficient, convenient and have additional protection measures - you are urged to speak to your bank or financial institution for support and assistance in accessing alternative methods including digital payments.
In recognition of the difficulties that some groups experience in accessing digital methods of payment, both Government and industry are already engaging in education, infrastructure, and outreach programs to enhance the digital capabilities of Australians and help them transition to other payments methods.

The Australian Government’s ‘Be Connected’ program offers free online learning programs including Online Banking and Mobile Banking, aimed at building digital skills and confidence. For more information, visit: beconnected.esafety.gov.au.

Your bank or financial institution can help you set up online banking. We recommend you speak to them and ask for assistance.

The transition away from cheques will apply to all financial institutions and users of the payments system, including those in remote areas.

In recognition of the difficulties that some groups experience in accessing digital methods of payment, both Government and industry are already engaging in education, infrastructure, and outreach programs to enhance the digital capabilities of Australians and help them transition to other payments methods.

The Government’s Better Connectivity Plan is providing more than $1.1 billion for telecommunications infrastructure in regional and remote communities, to help rural Australians. This includes funding for the Regional Tech Hub, which supports regional consumers, including older Australians, to access advice and support on digital connectivity options.

As the cheques end-date draws closer, both Government and industry will be expected to increase their assistance to cheque-users to help them comfortably manage the transition.

The payments industry is working with charities to support them make the transition to alternative methods to accept donations. Your charity should be taking steps now to set up alternative means for donors to send them money. In fact, many charities find their donations increase when they move to digital alternatives.

Cheques are no longer necessary for most property purchases and settlement, and property buyers are increasingly paying deposits by direct bank transfer. E-conveyancing through PEXA and Sympli is widely used and actually mandatory in most states. Your real estate agent or financial institution should be able to assist.