ANZ bank announces huge change for millions of customers

• ANZ will stop customers getting new cheque book on June 16
• Bank has also advised 8.5million customers to cut them up now

The ANZ bank will stop its customers from being able to order a new cheque book within four weeks.

The bank’s 8.5million customers were told by email on Wednesday that from June 16, internet banking customers would no longer be able to order a deposit book containing cheques.

This is despite the government last year flagging that cheques would still exist until 2030.

‘If you have never had a cheque book on your account, you will not be able to order one,’ ANZ told its customers.

‘Some of our accounts currently allow you to use a deposit book when you make a deposit with us.

‘You will no longer be able to order deposit books on these accounts.’

The ANZ bank will stop its customers from being able to order a new cheque book within four weeks

ANZ customers were also advised to cut up their cheque book.

‘If you have an existing deposit book or receive one before 16 June 2024, we recommend that you securely destroy it by cutting or tearing it into pieces,’ it said.

‘You can continue to make deposits into your account without the need for a deposit book using your card or your BSB and account number.’

This is occurring less than a year after Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced cheques would be phased out by 2030.

But a Treasury consultation paper released in December said cheques would not be phased out until the end of 2028.

ANZ is therefore moving to phase out cheque books four years ahead of a suggested government schedule.

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