Cheques are being phased-out across Australia

Australians are choosing faster, safer and more convenient ways to pay. With more people banking online and fewer relying on cheques, Coastline Bank will begin closing cheque facilities this year.

What’s changing

From May 2026, customers won't be able to order new cheque books.
After 30 June 2026, we will no longer issue cheque books. Customers can write cheques until 30 June 2026. Recipients have until 30 September 2027 to deposit them. After 30 June, customers should use other payment methods.
From 30 September 2027, Coastline Bank will no longer accept cheque deposits.

These changes follow the Australian Government’s plan to retire cheques nationally by 2030. We know this is a significant shift, especially if cheques have been part of your everyday banking for a long time. That’s why we’re taking a personal, supported approach to help every member transition smoothly.

We’re here to help you switch with confidence

There are many simple ways to make and receive payments, including BPAY, PayID, direct debit, and in‑branch options, and our team is ready to guide you through each one.

If you’re not confident with technology, that’s okay. We offer:

One‑on‑one support in branch
Support over the phone when you need it
Step‑by‑step guides
Access to free digital skills training through the Australian Government’s Be Connected program

This change won’t happen overnight, and you won’t have to navigate it alone. Coastline Bank is here to make the transition as easy as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are cheque facilities changing?

Cheques are being phased out across Australia as part of a national transition to digital payments. Usage has dropped significantly, and many businesses, banks and government agencies are moving away from cheque processing.
This decision wasn’t made lightly, and Coastline Bank is aligning with the Australian Government’s plan to retire cheques by 2030.

When will the changes happen?

Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

30 June 2026 – Coastline Bank will no longer issue new cheque books. Customers can write cheques until 30 June. After that, you must use alternative payment methods.

30 September 2027 – Last day Coastline will accept cheque deposits. We will accept cheques dated 30 June 2026, or before, for deposit.

After these dates, cheques will no longer be accepted for payment.

What does this mean for me?

If you send or receive payments by cheque, you’ll need to switch to another payment method.
Our team can help you set up alternatives such as BPAY, online transfers, direct debits, PayID or in‑branch services.
You can also access free online learning to build digital confidence through the Australian Government’s Be Connected website.

What if I still have cheque books or outstanding cheques?

You can destroy unused cheque books at home (by shredding) or return them to your local branch for secure disposal.

If someone presents a cheque you’ve written, they must bank it before the close of business on 30 September 2027.

After this date, cheques will be dishonoured, and you’ll need to arrange another payment method with the recipient.

To check for outstanding cheques:

Log in to Coastline Bank Internet Banking to review your transaction history
Review your statements
Contact us if you need help tracing a payment

What are the alternative ways to pay?

There are several fast, secure options:
For bills: BPAY, direct debit, online transfer, phone banking, or in‑branch payment
For individuals: PayID, scheduled transfers, account‑to‑account transfers
For organisations: EFT payments, invoice payments, direct debit arrangements

What if I'm not comfortable with online banking?

We understand technology can feel overwhelming. You can still manage your banking without using a computer.

We offer:

Assisted setup sessions
Step-by-step printed guides
In‑branch and phone support
The option to make payments in branch

Is my money still safe?

Yes. Digital payments are protected by strong bank security systems, fraud monitoring and secure authentication measures. Our team can also help you set up additional safety features.

Will switching cost me more?

Most alternative payment methods are free, though some transaction fees may apply depending on the type of account or service. We can help you understand any costs specific to your banking.

What happens if I don't switch?

After the retirement dates, cheques simply won’t work.
We encourage you to start making the change early, and we’ll support you at every step to ensure a smooth transition.

How is Coastline Bank communicating with customers?

We’re taking a personal approach. Customers will hear from us through:

Direct mail
Phone calls
In‑branch conversations
Website and printed information
Support materials and guides

What should I do with my cheque books once I've switched?

Once you’ve moved to another payment method, you can:

Destroy the cheque book at home
Return it to any Coastline branch for secure disposal

What if my business uses cheques for petty cash?

We can help you switch to another method, such as a Visa Debit card for staff, a business EFT process, or in‑branch cash withdrawals.

Where can I go for more information?

We’re here to help.
You can call us, visit your local branch, use our online chat, or email our team.
Support is available for every customer, no matter how you prefer to bank.

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