Just like cassette tapes and typewriters, cheques have had their time in the spotlight, but now their use is steadily coming to an end in Australia.
Back in the 1980s, cheques made up the majority of non-cash payments. Even in the mid-1990s, the average person was still writing around 50 cheques a year. But as technology has advanced and online banking has become the norm, Australians have increasingly turned to faster and more convenient ways to pay. Today, fewer than one cheque is written per person each year.
Because of this shift, the Australian Government has announced that the country’s cheque system will be fully phased out by 2030. Government departments will stop using cheques even earlier – by the end of 2028 – and many banks have already started scaling back their cheque services.
We know this change may affect some of our loyal supporters who have used cheques for years to make their kind donations. You’re not alone, many older Australians and small businesses still use cheques for things like bills, rent, or larger purchases. That’s why the government has planned a long, gradual transition, giving everyone time to adjust. Your bank should also be reaching out to their customers to explain the alternatives and to offer support during the changeover.
So, what can you use instead of cheques?
There are several options available:
- Debit or credit card payments
- Australia Post money orders (a paper-based option still available but for a fee)
- Phone banking or internet banking
- In-person bank branch services
At The Baird Institute we’re incredibly grateful for every donation we receive – no matter how it arrives. As the country moves away from cheques, we’ll be here to support you with other easy and secure ways to give. Whether that’s by debit or credit card, bank transfer, or another method you’re comfortable with, our team is always happy to help.
If you currently donate by cheque and have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We want this change to be as smooth and stress-free as possible, and we’ll be keeping our supporters informed every step of the way.
