Cheques Are Being Retired - Here’s Everything You Need to Know

We know change can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it involves something familiar like your cheque book. Cheques have played an important role in the way many of our members manage their money. But banking is evolving, and so are we.

MOVE Bank, along with most financial institutions across Australia, is preparing to farewell cheques. We want to make sure you feel supported, informed and confident about what this change means for you.

This page is here to give you everything you need to know, from why cheques are going away to what you can do instead.

 


 

Why Are Cheques Being Phased Out in Australia?

Cheque use in Australia has been declining rapidly for years. The Australian Government has announced that the national cheque system will be closed by 2030. Banks across the country are gradually phasing out cheques in favour of safer and faster digital options.

Here are some of the main reasons why:

  • Cheque use has dropped by more than 90 percent in the last decade

  • Cheques take longer to process and are more expensive to manage

  • Digital options are more secure, reliable and convenient

MOVE Bank is proud to support this national shift and help our members access better and more efficient ways to bank.

 


 

Important Dates for

MOVE Bank Members

31st August 

2025

All MOVE Bank cheque and deposit book services ended.

You can no longer write or deposit cheques through us.


 

What You Might Be Using Cheques For – And What You Can Use Instead

If you used cheques for:

You can use this instead:

Paying bills like electricity or council BPAY through MOVE Bank Internet Banking or App, Direct Debit or card payments
Paying your rent Direct transfer using your BSB and Account Number, or PayID
Paying tradies or service providers Osko payments, PayID, or bank transfer
Paying school fees or sports club memberships BPAY or Direct Transfer
Sending money as a gift Osko or bank transfer with a message included
Receiving rent or freelance payments Ask the payer to deposit funds into your account using your BSB and Account Number
Making a donation Most charities now accept online or card payments
Sending money to family or friends PayID or Osko for fast and simple payments
Depositing a cheque Visit a participating Australia Post Bank@Post outlet with your Visa card, or ask the payer to use direct deposit

 


 

Internet Banking

Internet banking lets you manage your money online 24/7, from your desktop, mobile or tablet device.

  • Transfer funds to a MOVE Bank account or another financial institution

  • Pay bills via BPAY®

  • Create a PayID and make instant payments using Osko by BPAY

  • View your online statements

For more information about Internet Banking visit movebank.com.au/internetbanking

 

How do I register for Internet Banking?

If you are not registered for Internet Banking, please give our Member Experience team a call to assist you on 1300 362 216 during business hours.


 

Download the MOVE Bank App

The MOVE Bank App helps you stay on top of your finances – anywhere, anytime. Developed for iPhone and Android phones, it has never been easier to check your account balance, make payments or transfer money on the go.

 

Bank with MOVE at Australia Post

Looking to deposit or withdraw money?

MOVE Bank has partnered with Australia Post's Bank@Post network to offer MOVE members access to deposit and withdrawal services at the 3,400+ (including more than 1,800 in rural and remote locations) Post Offices around Australia. Visit an participating Australia Post and remember to bring your Visa card.

Find a participating Australia Post

SMS and Email Alerts

Register for alerts to stay informed about your account activity. Alerts provide real-time notifications for account balances, transaction activity, and more. Alerts can be set up within Internet Banking. Alternatively, our Member Experience team can assist you over the phone. Don't forget to make sure your mobile number and email address are up to date!

 


 

Decommissioning of Cheques FAQ's

The use of cheques has significantly declined as more members prefer faster, more secure digital payment methods. In line with national trends and the Australian Government's plan to phase out cheques by 2030, MOVE Bank will discontinue cheque services from 31 August.​

You will no longer be able to write or deposit cheques with MOVE Bank from 31 August. We recommend transitioning to alternative payment methods before this date.​

We understand that adapting to new banking methods can be challenging. Our team is here to support you. You can:

  • Visit our branch for personalised help with transfers and payments.​

  • Give our friendly personal banking consultants a call and they will walk you through your introduction to online banking and assist in setting up any services you need.

For more information on our services, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.​

There are several secure and convenient alternatives to cheques:

  • BPAY: Pay bills directly from your account.​

  • Direct Transfers: Use BSB and account numbers to transfer funds.​

  • Scheduled Payments: Set up recurring payments for regular expenses.​

No, after 31 August, MOVE Bank will no longer accept any cheques, including those from other banks. We encourage you to request digital payment alternatives from those issuing cheques.​

You should inform them that MOVE Bank no longer processes cheques and request a digital payment instead. Our team can guide you on how to provide your account details securely.​

Yes, you can continue to receive printed statements by post. There is no requirement to switch to digital statements unless you choose to do so.​

Our team is ready to assist you with setting up and navigating online banking services. Please call us at 1300 362 216 or visit our branch for personalised support.​

Your security is our priority. We recommend visiting our Scams and Fraud page for information on how to protect yourself. If you suspect fraudulent activity, contact us immediately.​

Please safely dispose of any unused cheques by bringing them to our branch or by securely shredding them. Our staff can assist you with proper disposal methods.​

Most of our digital payment services are free of charge. For a detailed overview of any applicable fees, please refer to our Fees and Charges page.​

Setting up direct debits is a convenient way to manage recurring payments. You can arrange this through online banking or by contacting the service provider directly. For assistance, please reach out to our team.​

PayID allows you to link your bank account to your phone number or email address, making it easier to receive payments without sharing your BSB and account number. For more information, visit our PayID page.​

Informing businesses and individuals about your updated payment methods is important. We recommend contacting them directly to provide your BSB and account number or PayID details. Our team can assist you in drafting notifications if needed.​

For further details, please visit our News and Updates section. We will continue to provide updates and resources to assist you during this transition.

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