Commonwealth Bank has moved away from issuing cheque books automatically, reflecting the industry-wide shift toward digital payment methods. While cheques remain a valid payment tool for specific needs, they are now generally restricted to accounts that held cheque access prior to June 2023. If you have an eligible account, you can request a replacement book through official channels rather than expecting an automatic renewal.
Because eligibility is tied to the specific status of your account, you will typically need to speak with a bank representative to confirm your ability to order. This ensures that your account meets the current regulatory and policy requirements for cheque issuance.
Key Cheque Book Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Access Methods | Phone support or in-branch visit |
| Processing Time | Standard postal delivery times apply |
| Eligibility | Accounts with pre-existing cheque access only |
| Key Requirements | Valid ID and proof of account ownership |
Business clients can also do this in the NetBank, for this:
- log in to the online banking
- press Functions
- click Service Requests
- press Reorder Cheque Book
- select the account for ordering a cheque book
- point the number of cheque books
- choose the desired style
- check the data and press Confirm, then OK
Troubleshooting Common Issues
MFA / Login issues: If you are attempting to verify your account details via phone banking and fail the multi-factor authentication (MFA) check, the cause is often an outdated contact number. You will need to visit a branch in person with your identification to update your details securely.
Browser or app errors: If you are looking for an "order" button online and cannot find one, it is often because that specific functionality has been removed for your account type. Do not attempt to use outdated online forms if the bank's portal does not display a specific link for your account; instead, contact support directly.
Locked account / ID access: If your account has been flagged for a security review, you may be unable to place an order. This is a protective measure. To resolve this, visit a branch with your identification documents to verify your status, which will allow staff to process your request manually.
Pro-Tip: Request your replacement cheque book well before your current one runs out. Since these orders are processed manually and sent via post, you should allow at least one to two weeks for the order to reach you, rather than waiting until you have only one or two cheques remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I no longer see an option to order a cheque book online?
Commonwealth Bank has updated its account policies, and many accounts no longer support cheque access. If your account was opened or converted after June 3, 2023, it is likely ineligible for a cheque book. If you held access previously, the option may have been removed from self-service digital platforms to encourage the use of more secure, modern payment methods. You should verify your eligibility by calling the bank, and if your account type no longer supports it, explore digital alternatives like direct transfers or BPAY.
Do I have to go into a branch to order a new book?
While you can often initiate a request by calling the support line, a branch visit is sometimes necessary if you need to perform an identity verification or update your address details before the bank can send the book. In practice, calling the customer service line is the first step to see if they can process the request remotely. If they cannot, they will advise you to visit a branch with your proof of identity.
Can I order a cheque book for a joint account?
The rules for joint accounts changed significantly in 2023. Some joint accounts lost the ability to order replacement cheque books after June 3, 2023. Whether you can still order depends entirely on the specific product terms associated with your joint account. Call the bank with your joint account details handy, and a representative will check the specific restrictions for your account type to determine if a replacement is still permitted.
