Changes to People’s Choice cheque facilities

Cheque use has been declining rapidly over the last 10 years* with digital payment methods increasing as the faster payment alternative. The service partner that provided member chequing facilities to People’s Choice made the decision to withdraw this service in May 2024.

This decision aimed to modernise banking operations, enhance security measures, and simplify financial transactions for all. 

*Source: https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2017/jun/7.html 

All members associated with an account that had a cheque book attached were notified of this change from 23 Jan 2024.

Cheques written from existing People’s Choice cheque books can no longer be presented.

Yes until May 24th 2024. However come May 24th 2024 there are many alternative fast and secure ways to make payments, including:

• Fast payments & PayID
• Electronic Funds Transfer
• Direct debit
• BPAY
• Visa Credit or Debit cards

If you want to learn more about all the options available to you, head here for everything you need to know about managing your money, visit your nearest branch or give us a call on 13 11 82.

All of our branches have an internet banking booth where members are able to complete transactions, and if required can be supported by our consultants. If your payment is within your own accounts at People’s Choice, phone banking is an alternative option.

We acknowledge that payment methods available to support accounts with multiple signing authority are currently limited, and that member chequing is an important payment method in the absence of digital functionality.

We are currently developing the option for multiple to sign functionality through our Internet Banking and are anticipating that this will be made available in 2024. 
This functionality will allow payments on accounts requiring more than one signature to be authorised by required parties electronically, and provide an alternative, faster payment method. We will keep you updated on the launch of this functionality.

Yes - we encourage the move to more fast and secure payment methods. If you would like to cancel your cheque facility before 24 May 2024, please call us on 13 11 82 or visit a branch.

Unfortunately, the cost for the cheque book was incurred at the time it was printed, so we don’t have the ability to provide a refund.

People’s Choice will continue to accept cheque deposits for other financial institutions in branch, at People’s Choice Deposit ATM’s and Bank@Post where these services are offered.

Yes, we will continue to offer this service to our members.