We’re here to help
Talk to your bank. Don’t tough it out on your own.
How your bank can help
Banks are offering a support package, available to all small businesses and home loan customers significantly impacted by current lockdowns or recovery from recent lockdowns, irrespective of location or industry.
Business banking repayment deferrals
- Up to 3 month repayment deferrals, with loan terms extended accordingly
- Offered to all small business customers (business lending less than $3m and a turnover of less than $5m), which includes up to 98% of small businesses
- Only for loans in good standing (i.e. repayments up to date or engaged in a payment program with their bank)
Everyday banking support
- Refunds of merchant terminal fees for up to 3 months
- Waiving of fees and notice periods on Cash Deposit and Farm Management Deposit accounts for up to 3 months
Home loan support
- Range of support measures, including deferrals on a month by month basis
- Available to both individual and business customers
COVID-19 credit reporting improvements
Find your bank
Select your bank to find out more about their individual relief packages
COVID-19 updates
Show updates for:
Hardship assistance demand declines as Australia opens up
29 October 2021
“it’s heartening to see the need for assistance declining as many States and Territories come out of lockdown”
Hardship assistance triples as deferrals continue to rise
15 September 2021
More than 57,000 customers have received hardship assistance during recent lockdowns across Australia.
Banks supporting customers across Australia with 3 month deferrals, merchant fee refunds
20 July 2021
these options do give people you know, a breather, that’s what they’re designed to do, just take the load off for three months, while you get through everything else that you need to get through.”
Banks supporting customers as lockdowns extended
17 July 2021
“customers can rest assured that their bank will have their back”
Australian banks offer COVID-19 customer relief
8 July 2021
The national support package will be available to all small businesses and home loan customers significantly impacted.
National Business Partnership Forum – July 7 2021
7 July 2021
Australia’s banks stand ready to assist the Government with the vaccine rollout.
Transcript: Anna Bligh – how banks can help the vaccine rollout
7 July 2021
ABA CEO Anna Bligh was interviewed by Stan Shaw on ABC Perth on 7 July. She discussed her upcoming meeting with COVID-19 vaccine Task Force Lieutenant General John Frewin with other corporate stakeholders. Banks, as both major employers who already offer vaccinations, and who also have a network of branches, can help with the COVID-19… Read more »
Banks to assist customers in COVID-19 lockdowns
29 June 2021
Banks across Australia are ready and willing to assist customers affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns.
COVID-19 accelerates debit card use, cash decline
28 May 2021
New data shows debit cards are the clear choice of payment in post-COVID Australia, outweighing credit cards by almost three times, while cash use has significantly declined.
Banks launch new phase of pandemic support
17 February 2021
Banks have developed an industry-wide, consistent approach to hardship and a new online tool to guide customers.
COVID-19 Banking Timeline: a financial history of the pandemic.
Don’t tough it out on your own
It’s not just COVID-19. Customers can get help if they’re impacted by bushfires, floods, or anything.
Helpful resources
ABA also has a range of other useful resources that may assist you in getting through these tough times:
- Visit our COVID-19 Resource Hub
- Download the Financial Hardship fact sheet