The world of money is constantly evolving, and the way we pay bills and other expenses is fast-changing. Just 20 years ago, cheques were a popular payment method1. But digital technology means cheques are fast being replaced by other payment methods that can be quicker, cheaper and more secure. In fact, these days it’s becoming harder to find a retailer who will accept a personal cheque.
Here are six alternatives to using cheques.
Debit cards.
One of the most convenient ways to pay these days is with a debit card. They’re usually a free add-on to any everyday account. Many debit cards like the Defence Bank debit card offer contactless ‘tap and go’ payments for transactions below $200, and as these cards are often accepted outside Australia, you can even make purchases online to shop globally or when you’re travelling.*
BPAY.
When it comes to paying household bills, the days of writing out a cheque and mailing it off, have almost come to an end. BPAY lets you make a payment from anywhere you have internet banking. It’s fast, secure and super convenient. Defence Bank members can access BPAY in-branch, via Online Banking or our award-winning app.
Direct transfer.
Making a bank-to-bank transfer is super easy with online banking or the mobile app – as long as you know the BSB and account number or the recipient's PayID for instant transfers, sending money has never been so simple or fast.
The key is to be sure you use the correct account details. Make a mistake and the funds can be paid to a recipient you never intended to receive the money. When that happens, you need to get in touch with your bank fast. That’s why Defence Bank always asks you to check the details of a direct transfer before you finalise the transaction. It’s a chance to be sure you’ve got all the numbers right.
Tip: The best way to access BPAY and make a direct transfer is through our award-winning app. Highly rated by our members, it’s secure, easy to use and available anytime, anywhere.
Credit card.
A credit card isn’t just a convenient method of payment, your card can also come in handy to make reservations for things like a restaurant booking, a hotel or even a rental car. And if you pay off purchases in the interest-free period, no interest charges apply, making credit cards a budget-friendly option.
For even more value, look for a card with a low rate – for those times you don’t pay off the balance in full each month. A low annual fee is worth looking for too.
The Defence Bank Foundation Credit Card ticks both boxes with a 6-month introductory rate of just 3.99% reverting to an ongoing rate of just 8.99%. Even better, half the annual fee of just $45 goes to the Defence Bank Foundation, a charity whose sole beneficiary is Defence Community Dogs, providing skilled assistance dogs to veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Digital wallets.
If you’re not familiar with digital wallets, they’re an app that stores information from your debit card or credit card. So you can use your smartphone to make payments without the need to carry a real wallet around. Defence Bank offers a variety of digital wallets including Apple, Garmin, Google and Samsung Pays.
Want to know more about the different payment options? The team at Defence Bank can offer more details. Call our Contact Centre on 1800 033 139 or visit your local branch to find out more.
Got questions? We have the answers. See our FAQs.
* Defence Bank recommends you read the Defence Bank Products and Services - Conditions of Use (DPS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for any product you choose to take. Any advice contained in this article is general advice only.
# Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply and are available upon request. Approval subject to Defence Bank's lending criteria. Rates apply to new applications received however are subject to change at anytime. Defence Bank’s Target Market Determination can be viewed here.
Important note: This information is of a general nature and is not intended to be relied on by you as advice in any particular matter. You should contact us at Defence Bank to discuss how this information may apply to your circumstances.
1 https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2017/jun/7.html
