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 people first isn’t going anywhere.
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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 priorities are looking after you, our communities and the planet.
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 better serving our customers and communities.
A new name in Toowoomba
As a member-owned bank, we want you involved in every step of the journey as we introduce our new brand. You may have noticed People First Bank coming to life, which started with the change to the sign on our head office building in Toowoomba.
Though we will continue to trade under the existing brand names of People's Choice Credit Union and Heritage Bank for an interim period, we have now officially adopted the name of People First Bank for our new organisation.
Don't miss important updates
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 > Manage Contact Details or give us a call on 13 14 22.
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, which started with the rebranding of our Toowoomba Head
Office.
We’re currently transforming our People's Choice branches in South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory to People First Bank branding. Once these branches are complete, we’ll move on
to our Heritage Bank branches.
Although the rebranded branches will look a little different, you'll still find the same Heritage products, services, and friendly staff you know and love.
Our customers will be the first to know of any new changes. While our name and brand will change, our commitment to our people, local communities and serving you will remain.
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 Heritage Bank products or services.
For the time being, your BSB, account number and customer number will continue operating in the same way.
When the time comes, we’ll be in touch about any changes that may affect you, as well as when it’s your turn to move over to the new Digital Banking platform.
Just make sure that your communication preferences and contact details are up to date so that we can keep you informed.
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 Heritage, People’s Choice or People First Bank asking for this information, hang up and call our 24/7 team at 13 14 22 so that we can verify if the caller was legitimate.
Our Official Websites
As we work towards adopting 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
- Heritage Bank - https://www.heritage.com.au
- People's Choice - https://www.peopleschoice.com.au
Remember to double check the web address matches one of the above if you're unsure.
What does our new name mean?
We are delighted to unveil our new name and brand - People First Bank - which 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 customers, 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 customers can access a contemporary banking platform to meet the needs of new and existing customers.
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?
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 other banks. We differentiate ourselves as a purpose-driven alternative to listed banks, which have a focus on making profits for the benefit of shareholders.
How will members 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 customers' 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?
We've put together a comprehensive list of FAQs to answer your questions about our merger with People's Choice Credit Union.
View FAQsAre you an existing Heritage member?
This will determine how best we can help.