People First Bank is coming soon
Say hello to People First Bank - built from the merger of People’s Choice and Heritage Bank, backed by over 150 years of supporting our customers.
Sure, we’re growing, but our commitment to doing good and putting our people first isn’t going anywhere.
A customer-owned bank for people like you
In case you missed it, People’s Choice and Heritage Bank merged in March 2023 to create one of Australia’s largest customer-owned banks – People First Bank.
Our name says it all – we’re a bank for people like you. Our priority is putting you, our communities, and the planet first - just as we always have.
We’re on an exciting journey to bring together our products, services and technology under one brand. This will take some time – but we assure you it’s worth the wait.
There will be some changes along the way, but the ultimate goal is to create a smoother digital banking experience with fewer hiccups, enhanced security, and more ways to reach us.
One thing that’s here to stay is that we’re 100% customer-owned – meaning our profit is invested right back into our customers, their communities, and the planet.
Don't miss important updates
We’ve got exciting updates dropping over the next few months, and we want you to be one of the first to hear them.
To stay in the loop with People First Bank, make sure to keep your communication preferences and contact details up to date.
To update your details, head to:
Internet Banking > Settings > Member Details or give us a call on 13 11 82.
Our story so far
What's happening next?
We’re working hard behind the scenes to bring our new brand to life and keep our customers informed every step of the way.
We’re taking a phased approach to introducing the People First Bank brand so that our customers can experience a smooth transition, like the gradual rebranding of our branches.
You might start to see our People First Bank branches where People's Choice used to be. Don’t worry, you'll still find the same People’s Choice products, services, and friendly staff you know and love at a People First Bank branch.
In time, we'll invite our existing customers to register with People First Bank in stages. When that time comes, we'll do the hard work for you - so that registration is quick and easy.
We’ll be in touch in the coming months with more on what’s in store.
There’s nothing you need to do yet
For now, there’s no change to how you do your day-to-day banking, as there’s no immediate impact on your People’s Choice products or services.
For the time being, your BSB, account number and customer number will continue operating in the same way.
We’ll be in touch soon about any changes that may affect you as we transition to People First Bank. Just make sure that your communication preferences and contact details are up to date so that we can keep you informed
Your security is our absolute priority
Our official websites
As we work towards our new brand, we will slowly phase out our existing brands, including their websites. For now, these are the only three official website addresses for our bank.
✔ People First Bank https://www.peoplefirstbank.com.au
✔ People's Choice https://www.peopleschoice.com.au
✔ Heritage Bank https://www.heritage.com.au
Remember to double check the web address matches one of the above if you're unsure.Stay scam aware
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people into giving away their money and personal information.
Protecting your account is our priority. Our team of experts is dedicated to keeping your banking secure with 24/7 monitoring and security measures.
We will never:
- SMS customers asking for personal information or to click on a link
- Call customers unsolicited asking for personal information or to make a payment
- Send emails with links that direct you to People First Bank’s Online Banking and App login pages or any site requesting banking security information or access to your device.
Important to remember:
We will never contact you to request your login details, security codes, card details, or one-time passwords.
If you receive a call claiming to be from People First Bank, People’s Choice or Heritage asking for this information, hang up and call our 24/7 team on 13 11 82 so that we can verify if the caller was legitimate.
FAQs
What does our new name mean?
Our new name and brand – People First Bank – says exactly what we’re all about: people.
The new brand builds on our past, reflects the deep roots and values of both brands, and is underpinned by the feedback from our people and customers who told us they wanted us to continue to put people first.
People First Bank reflects our continuing focus on delivering positive change for our members, communities and people, while underscoring our ongoing commitment to being a purpose-driven, customer-owned alternative to the listed banks.
Will products and services change?
There are no immediate changes. Both the Heritage Bank and People’s Choice brands will continue to operate as usual for now.
Over time, products and services will be rebranded, and customers will continue to have access to a range of competitively-priced products and services. In time, we will also move to a single technology platform, ensuring our members can access a contemporary banking platform to meet the needs of new and existing members.
Customers will be kept updated throughout this process so that they know what to expect as the changes will be introduced progressively over some time.
What products and services will be available in a People First Bank rebranded branch?
Our rebranded branches will continue to offer the same range of People’s Choice branded products and services. All products, services and advice obtained in those branches will continue to be provided by Heritage and People’s Choice Ltd trading as People’s Choice Credit Union.
Are we still a mutual given ‘Bank’ is in our new name?
Yes. We remain 100% customer-owned and focused on serving you, our customers. Our new brand reflects our aspiration as a national mutual that offers a genuine alternative to the listed banks.
The simple truth is that many people today aren’t familiar with the terms “credit union” or “building society”, and don’t understand what they mean. Using the term “bank” in our name makes clear to everyone what our core business is.
That’s not to say we are the same as the other banks. We differentiate ourselves as a purpose-driven alternative to the listed banks, which have a focus on making profits for the benefit of shareholders.
How will customers benefit?
The merger has provided the scale needed to ensure customers continue to benefit from competitive financial products, personalised customer service and modern, secure banking technology – all with the care that only a strong, sustainable, customer-owned banking organisation can provide.
We are now large enough to offer customers more but still small enough to retain the personal touch.
The benefits that customers will enjoy over time as a result of the merger include:
• Gaining access to one of Australia’s largest customer-owned branch networks of 95 sites.
• A wide range of competitively-priced products and services.
• Better payment options.
• The removal of a number of fees and charges.
• 24/7 Australian-based call centre support and Saturday trading in selected branches.
• Contemporary, secure digital banking, backed by ongoing investment to meet members’ evolving needs.
• A minimum of $50 million over five years in community support and environmental initiatives.
• Local knowledge, employment and investment from our permanent, dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba.What has happened to my membership?
Customers of both People’s Choice Credit Union and Heritage Bank are now customers of the merged organisation.Will the headquarters move?
No. We will operate dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba.
We remain committed to maintaining our presence in our existing communities, including continued support of local community programs.Will lending and advice centres change?
Lending and Advice Centres will be included in the rebrand, but for the time being they will continue to only offer the currently available People's Choice services.When will People’s Choice become People First Bank?
People’s Choice will continue operating as usual until we officially transition to the People First Bank brand. Our existing customers will be the first to know when this happens, and we’ll make sure that you have plenty of notice and support to help you with this change.
When it’s time to make the switch to People First Bank, we’ll do the hard work for you to make sure that registering is quick and easy. Keep an eye on your emails and our website for more updates in the coming months.