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Banking / Cheque changes

The Australian Government has announced its decision to wind down cheques (personal, commercial, government and bank cheques) as most customers turn to digital banking as a faster, safer way to pay. If you currently write or deposit cheques, you’ll still be able to use them until they are phased out.

Key transition dates

If you write cheques: From 30 June 2028 you will no longer be able to write or issue any type of cheque but will be able to deposit most cheques. Cheques written after this date will not be accepted, and no payment will be made.

If you deposit cheques: From 30 September 2029 you will no longer be able to deposit cheques into your bank account.

Some financial institutions may choose to phase out cheques sooner which means you won’t be able to deposit cheques from those financial institutions into your CommBank account. Before accepting a cheque, review the active Australian Paper Clearing System (APCS) member list as we are unable to process cheques from organisations that are no longer part of the network. 

See also AusPayNet Media release 11 December 2025.

Faster, safer ways to pay today

Why switch from cheques?

It’s faster

Send and receive payments in near real-time with our award-winning digital platforms NetBank or CommBank App - no waiting for cheques to clear.

It’s traceable

Digital payments create an audit trail and a clear payment reference, reducing disputes and lost cheques.

It’s safer

Verify payee details before you send or receive payments and avoid false billing scams and mistaken payments using our built-in security tools like:

  • NetCode for multi-factor authentication
  • NameCheck to make sure you’re paying the right person
  • PayID to ensure transparent and secure instant transfers

Get started in minutes

For NetBank and CommBank App, set up your mobile number or email address as your PayID in a few taps, search ‘PayID’ in the Chat.

How to pay instead of a cheque?

Everyday transactions

  • Make payments in person, online or over the phone with a Debit Mastercard or credit card.
  • Real-time bank transfers using BSB and account numbers using NetBank and CommBank App. You can also set up PayID (your mobile or email linked to your account) for instant payments.
  • Use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for contactless transactions.

Property settlement

Buying a car or making a large one-off transfer

  • Pay with PayID for instant transfer for values up to $5,000
  • Increase your daily transfer and payment limits via NetBank and CommBank App

Paying bills, bonds, or security deposits