• A new era in Australian banking.

    People’s Choice and Heritage Bank merged in March 2023 to create a national mutual that presents a compelling alternative to the listed banks.
    We are now on an exciting journey to bring together our member focus, products, services and technology under a single company name and brand.
    People First Bank - our new brand - says exactly what we’re all about: people.

  • What happens next

    For now, both the Heritage Bank and People’s Choice brands will continue to operate as usual and there is no need to do anything. 

    We’re taking a phased approach to introducing all aspects of the new brand which we intend to roll out across branches, products, digital channels, sponsorships and the community over time. 

    We’ll keep you updated throughout this process so that you know what to expect. 

    While our name and brand will change, our commitment to our people and local communities as well as our dedication to serving our members stays the same.

  • Members do not need to do anything

    There will be no immediate impact on your accounts, loans, cards or other products and services with People’s Choice. Your BSB, account number, member number, internet banking and app will continue to operate in exactly the same way. You will continue to be served by the same friendly employees. 

Our journey

We’re taking a phased approach to introducing all aspects of the new brand which we intend to roll out across branches, products, digital channels, sponsorships and the community over time.

We’ll keep you updated throughout this process so that you know what to expect.

FAQs

  • Why did you merge?

    The merger provides the opportunity to do more for members by combining two member-driven and complementary businesses while also increasing support for community and environmental initiatives.

    By bringing our two like-minded organisations together, we have the scale needed to deliver more for members through better products, services, digital capabilities, and competitive pricing.

  • How will members benefit?

    The merger has provided the scale needed to ensure members continue to benefit from competitive financial products, personalised customer service and modern, secure banking technology – all with the care that only a strong, sustainable, member-owned banking organisation can provide.

    We are now large enough to offer members more but still small enough to retain the personal touch.

    The benefits that members will enjoy over time as a result of the merger include:

    • Gaining access to one of Australia’s largest member-owned branch networks of 95 sites.
    • A wider range of award-winning, competitively-priced products and services.
    • Better credit cards and payments options.
    • The removal of a number of fees and charges.
    • 24/7 Australian-based call centre support and Saturday trading in selected branches. 
    • Contemporary, secure digital banking, backed by ongoing investment to meet members’ evolving needs
    • A minimum of $50 million over five years in community support and environmental initiatives.
    • Local knowledge, employment and investment from our permanent, dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba.

  • Are you still a mutual?

    Yes. We remain 100% member-owned and totally focused on serving you, our members.

  • Was this a takeover?

    No. It has been a true merger of equals. This is reflected in the fact that we have dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba, and that the new Board is made up of an equal number of directors from People’s Choice and Heritage.

  • What has happened to my membership?

    Members of both People’s Choice and Heritage Bank have automatically become members of the merged organisation.

  • What does it mean for my accounts/products?

    There are no immediate changes to current product features and services. As our systems are integrated, members will be able to access to a wider range of award-winning, competitively-priced products and services.

    Members will be fully notified of any changes which impact them.

  • What’s happening to your name and brand?

    We are now one single organisation, with the legal name of “Heritage and People’s Choice Limited”.

    However, we will continue trading under the existing brand names of “Heritage Bank” and “People’s Choice” for an interim period. In time, we will adopt a fresh, new brand name that reflects our aspirations to provide a compelling alternative to the listed bank sector for all Australians.

  • Who are the CEO and Chairman?

    Michael Cameron, the former People’s Choice Chairman, has been appointed as Chairman and Kerry Betros, the former Heritage Chairman, has been appointed Deputy Chairman.

    Peter Lock, the former CEO of Heritage, is now CEO of the merged organisation and Steve Laidlaw, the former CEO of People’s Choice, has been appointed Deputy CEO.

    Mr Lock will retire after 18 months in his new role, when Mr Laidlaw will be appointed as CEO.

    This arrangement will provide seamless leadership and deep expertise during the current integration period and well into the future.

    You can find details of our Board here.

  • Will there be any job losses or redundancies?

    Our people are our strength. Their skills, dedication and commitment to our members are critical to our ongoing success. 

    Both organisations have committed to no non-executive redundancies as a result of the merger.

  • Will your headquarters move?

    No. We will operate dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba. 

    We remain committed to maintaining our presence in our existing communities, including continued support of local community programs.

  • What happens next?

    We’re now working to fully integrate our products, services, technology and internal processes, and deliver benefits to members.

    Members will be fully notified of any changes which impact them.

  • Where can I find out more information?

    More information is available on our websites at peopleschoice.com.au/merger and heritage.com.au/about/merger.

    You can also email companysecretary@peopleschoice.com.au if you have any other questions.

Your security is our absolute priority

  • Our official websites

    As we work towards our new brand, we will slowly phase out our existing brands, including their websites. For now, these are the only three official website addresses for our bank.

    ✔ People First Bank www.peoplefirstbank.com.au (Coming Soon)
    ✔ People's Choice www.peopleschoice.com.au
    ✔ Heritage Bank - www.heritage.com.au

    Remember to double check the web address matches one of the above if you're unsure.


  • With financial institutions across the country reporting increased activity by scammers, we’ve increased monitoring and tightened security even further to keep your banking secure. 

    We will never: 
    • Call members unsolicited about the merger.
    • SMS members about the merger.
    • Send emails with links to banking login pages or any site requesting banking, financial or security information or access to your device. 

  • • It’s vital that you NEVER share your password or Internet Banking login credentials.  
    • We will NEVER contact you to request passwords, VISA card/rediCard or bank account details.  
    • We will NEVER send you an SMS containing links. 

    If you receive calls, SMSs or emails claiming to be from People’s Choice or Heritage that ask for your bank account or credit card details, or request you to share security codes or passwords, please do not provide them or any of your personal details and contact us on 13 11 82.