Boosting banking services in the regions

Australian banks continue to back customers in the bush, committing to keeping more branches open and securing the availability of services at Bank@Post.

Despite branch interactions falling by 50 per cent in recent years as customers switch to digital channels, Australian banks still maintain a higher branch density than the OECD average.

This commitment today sees:

• major banks extend the moratorium on branch closures for two and a half years, until mid-2027

• CBA, NAB and Westpac all reach new in-principle Bank@Post agreements
• negotiations between Australia Post and ANZ reach an advanced stage, with key terms agreed which would see ANZ customers able to use Bank@Post services from 1 October 2025. Macquarie and HSBC will also start negotiations with Australia Post on Bank@Post services.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh said the industry remained strongly committed to meeting the needs of customers in the bush.

“This is a major commitment to keep regional branches open and available to customers,” Ms Bligh said.

“Banks are ensuring Australians can continue to access high-quality banking services no matter where they live.

“While Australians continue to shift to digital banking and payment platforms, banks recognise some customers still prefer face-to-face services.  

“This is a major commitment to make sure regional customers can continue to visit a branch and access services if they wish to do so.

“We also trust this increased investment in Bank@Post will contribute to the sustainability of these services for those Australians who wish to continue to use them.

“Our industry will continue to work with the Government to ensure banking services continue to meet the needs of customers across regional Australia.”

Anna Bligh