Cheque services are being phased out across Australia, and Southern Cross Credit Union is here to support you through the transition. Whether you currently use cheques regularly or only occasionally, this page provides the information, key dates and alternative payment options you need to prepare for the change.
This industry-wide initiative is being managed through the Cheques Transition Program, helping financial institutions and customers move to modern payment methods in a safe and coordinated way. Below you’ll find everything you need to understand what’s changing and how we can help.
For more information about the national transition, visit the AusPayNet Cheques Transition Program website below.
For customers that currently have a cheque facility, we will no longer issue new cheque books. If you already have a cheque book, you can continue to use it during this period.
You will no longer be able to write cheques from your account, including personal, business or bank cheques. Any cheque presented after this date will be dishonoured.
We will no longer accept cheques for deposit, from this date you will no longer be able to deposit cheques drawn on Southern Cross Credit Union or any other financial institution into a Southern Cross Credit Union account.
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Cheque usage has declined significantly over recent years as more Australians have adopted digital and real-time payment methods. As part of the Australian Government’s Cheques Transition Plan, the financial services industry is working together to gradually wind down the cheques system and support customers in moving to alternative payment options.
Southern Cross Credit Union will progressively remove cheque services over a staged transition period. Key dates include the discontinuation of new cheque books, the end of cheque writing services, and the eventual closure of cheque deposits. Please refer to the timeline above for the specific dates that apply to your account.
There are several secure and convenient alternatives to cheques, including:
Our team can help you choose the option that best suits your needs. Learn more on our Bank Your Way page.
Yes, you can continue using your existing cheque book. However, you should transition to alternative payment methods as soon as possible as no cheque books will be issued after 1st of September 2026 and any cheques you write, including if personal or business, will be dishonoured if the receiving part deposit it after the 1st of March 2027. If you have issued a SCCU Personal/Business Cheque to a person and that person has not deposited that cheque prior to 1 March 2027, then the cheque will be dishonoured. We recommend that you advise any persons that you have provided an SCCU Personal/Business Cheque to deposit the cheque prior to 1 March 2027.
There are multiple ways you can send money electronically. Refer to our alternative payment options listed above in this page and explore our Bank Your Way page for more alternatives.
You can safely dispose of any unused cheques by cutting them up or return your cheque book to your closest SCCU Financial Service Centre.
No. As part of the transition, Southern Cross Credit Union will stop accepting cheque deposits from any financial institution from 1st of July 2027. After the final transition date, cheques will no longer be accepted for payment or deposit across Australia’s banking system.
We understand that some customers, businesses, community organisations and regional Australians may still rely on cheques. That’s why we’re committed to supporting you throughout the transition. We encourage you to contact us early so we can discuss alternative payment methods and help you find a solution that works for your circumstances.
Southern Cross Credit Union is here to support you every step of the way. You can contact our Customer Service Team, visit your local branch, or explore the national AusPayNet Cheques Transition Program website for information about the transition, alternative payment options and support resources.
We can help you register for online banking. Please visit find your closest Financial Service Centre to receive in-person support Monday to Friday during business hours or call our friendly Customer Service Centre on 1300 360 744 from 8:30am–5pm (AEDT).
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