Please read the following important information concerning the phasing out of issuing personal cheques as well as banking cheques at a Family First Bank branch to ensure a smooth transition.

The Federal Government has set a deadline for the end of cheque usage in Australia by 2030, due to the use of cheque facilities declining by 83% over the last 10 years.

Like many other banking institutions, Family First Bank uses the services of a third-party to process cheques, and our provider has recently announced that they are no longer able to continue offering cheque issuing services or facilities. In light of this announcement, we have already ceased offering new chequing accounts.

Family First understands this may be an unexpected change however would like to make the transition away from cheque services as seamless as possible for you, so here are some important dates for you to consider:

Given that many payees delay presenting cheques, we recommend that you use electronic payments as soon as possible, so please ask your Payees for their BSB and Account number as soon as possible.

To assist in this transition, we welcome our members into the branch to gain guidance from one of our friendly member service officers or call 1300 369 900 to help answer any questions you may have. However, if you feel confident in utilising our range of simple, efficient and secure alternate payment methods, here are our alternatives:

Alternate ways of making or receiving payments

Internet Banking:

If your account is “two to sign”, this method will require you to conduct the payment together in person.

• Go to: familyfirst.com.au on your laptop or home computer.
• View your account balances at any time.
• If you have your payees BSB and Account Number, you can make a transfer to their bank account.
• Pay bills using the BPAY biller code on your bill. You can also save the biller code for future payments.
• Invoices may also be paid by viewing the Issuers BSB and Account Number on the bill.
• Statements can also be viewed and printed from Internet Banking.

Mobile Banking:

• If your account is “two to sign”, this method DOES NOT require you to conduct the payment together in person. You can conduct and authorise payments separately.
• When you are on the move, you can view your account balance at any time.
• Simply download our Family First app onto your mobile phone (iPhone or Android).
• If you have your payees BSB and Account Number, you can make a transfer to their bank account and save it for future use.
• Pay bills using the BPAY biller code on your bill. You can also save the biller code for any future payments.
• Invoices may also be paid by viewing the Issuers BSB and Account Number on the bill.

Card Payments:

• Make payments in person, online or over the phone using your VISA debit card with the added security of a PIN and CVV.

Questions and Answers:

How can I make a significant purchase without a cheque? 

If you are planning to make a significant purchase it is very important that you confirm and validate the sellers or merchant details. To pay a person or a business, you will need their Account Name, BSB and Account Number. Contact our team to discuss your transfer needs such as daily limits, periodical payments or debits and payment timeframes.

I would like assistance to make the switch from cheques, what information do I need to gather before I call or visit the branch?

To BPAY^® your bills you will need your invoice with the BPAY^® Biller Code and Reference Number.

To pay a person or a business via direct deposit, you will need their Account Name, BSB and Account Number.

Our business uses cheques, what alternative arrangements do we need to make?

Proactively advise your customers to pay by an alternative method other than cheque.

Gather any regular payment details, such as BSB, Account Number and Account Name or BPAY^®Biller Code and Reference details, ready to switch to an alternative payment method.

Utilise Australia Post to deposit any cheques from other banks that you receive after 30^th June 2024. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Please note that we appreciate your understanding of this change and are available to answer and assist you through this transition period to our alternate payment methods and facilities.

Please call 1300 369 900 between 9am -5pm or drop into one of our branches for assistance – 10am-3pm.