It's hard to scrape the money together for life's luxuries (let alone life's necessities) when the bank keeps skimming the cream off the top of your accounts. There are much better options out there than that Dollarmite account you've had since you were eight years old, but who has the time to look? That's what we're here for. We'll show you how to find a fee-free account that won't eat away at your hard-earned cash.
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Articles
The day the last bank left town
Like many communities around the country, the Victorian town of Yarram is reeling from the closure of their last bank.
Banks imposing non-disclosure agreements on scam victims
When reimbursements come with a gag order, the behaviour of banks stays off the public record.
Jordan overdrew her account to flee family violence, CommBank won't stop charging her fees
The case raises fresh doubts over the bank’s willingness to refund low-income customers unfairly charged
At what cost? Cashless society risks leaving some out in the cold
Heather fears banks and businesses moving away from cash will further isolate her.
Australians demand CommBank refund $270 million in unfair fees
Almost 20,000 people have signed a CHOICE petition calling on the bank to do the right thing.
Missed bank transfers? Lost out on bonus interest? This could be why
Westpac customers have been stung by the bank's different approach to services at regional brands.
ANZ Bank's QR code rollout is leaving people behind
Advocates for First Nations communities and older Australians say it's yet another example of a tone deaf industry.
Outback community left with severely limited access to cash
This Northern Territory council serves an area bigger than New Zealand, but has only one bank branch left.
Is your bank still investing your money in fossil fuels?
The big four banks – ANZ, NAB, Westpac and CBA – are all pouring money into oil, coal and gas.
Businesses should be forced to accept cash, consumers say
97% of people surveyed by CHOICE say stores shouldn't be allowed to turn down physical money for essentials.
New rules force big businesses to combat scams
Banks, telcos and social media platforms face fresh obligations to protect Australians after new anti-scam laws pass Parliament.
HSBC Bank no help as scammers steal $23 million
ASIC is taking the bank to court for failing to protect customers.
Sneaky card surcharges hitting two-thirds of Australians' pockets
CHOICE survey reveals that while most people don't expect to pay more when paying via debit card, surcharges are common.
Government's Scams Prevention Framework calls for fines of up to $50 million
Proposed anti-scam laws to hold banks, tech platforms and telcos accountable.
Banks continue to leave scam victims in the lurch
The big four are doing very little to prevent scams or help victims, and smaller banks are no different.
Banks and lenders failing one in three in financial distress
ASIC slams 'cookie-cutter' responses to customer hardship.
This pensioner lost everything when his bank accounts were hacked
The scammer posed as a member of WA's Cyber Security Unit, and banks didn't detect the scam or recover the funds.
Australians in mortgage stress say banks aren't lending a hand
A rise in complaints shows big banks aren't doing enough to help people in financial hardship.
Bank branch closures and disappearing cash is making life harder for many
Being forced to go digital is causing problems for older Australians and First Nations communities.
Dollarmites 2.0? Big banks promoting kids' pocket money apps
What you need to know about Spriggy and Kit, and what they’re doing with your child's data.
Did the banking royal commission change anything?
One of the key recommendations will see bank executives held to account, and it's finally set to take effect.
Financial complaints hit ‘unsustainable’ highs in 2023
Financial services providers asked to do a better job of handling complaints.
Banks announce new anti-scam initiatives
The long overdue measures are a good first step, but there’s more to do to protect Australians from scams.
The basic check banks aren't doing to prevent scams
Account name matching has prevented thousands of scams in other countries, but Australian banks have yet to get on board.
Your bank helped pay the scammers. Should it be held liable?
A couple in their 80s lost their savings in a known investment scam, yet the bank facilitated the transaction without checking.
Why are we still paying billions in bank fees?
The big banks posted sky-high profits during a cost-of-living crisis. Why are we still paying $3.2 billion in fees?
CHOICE suggests changes to savings accounts to make banking fairer
Our submission to the ACCC deposits inquiry outlines ways to help consumers get better returns on their savings.
ASIC report finds banks are failing scam victims
When scammers target you for your money, your bank is unlikely to be of much help.
ACCC launches inquiry into bank interest rates
Home loan rates are on the rise, but the rates for customer deposits haven't kept up.
Banks and insurers called on to prevent financial abuse in family violence situations
Report urges financial service providers to ensure their products aren't used in financial abuse and family violence situations.
How effective are bank 'customer advocates'?
Toothless tigers or champions for fairness – we investigate.
How to lodge a bank dispute
Should you be seeking compensation for misconduct?
Tasmanians deserve affordable homes and fair loans
Tasmania now has the highest level of mortgage stress in Australia. That's why it needs safe lending laws more than ever.
Adelaide’s cost of living crisis to get worse with safe lending repeal
As the sun sets on South Australia's dream of affordable living, the financially vulnerable need all the protection they can get.
No Queenslander should have to fear the banks again
Queensland parliamentarians bravely stood up to the big banks. Now we're calling on them to defend safe lending laws.
Credit unions and customer-owned banks
Do credit unions, building societies and mutuals love you more?
Regional bank branch closures affect marginalised Australians
A total of 575 bank branches closed between 2017 and 2021, leaving many customers in the lurch.
Commonwealth Bank drops Dollarmites
After long campaign by CHOICE, pin is finally pulled on 'shonky' school banking program.
What's the best online payment method?
Poli, Bpay, Eftpos, credit cards or PayPal – find the payment method that works for you.
Days are numbered for Queensland school banking programs
Following a CHOICE Shonky for CBA's Dollarmites program and a damning ASIC report, Queensland follows the ACT and Victoria and bans school banking.
Campaigning in Canberra: Inside the fight to save our safe lending laws
CHOICE’s banking policy adviser shares a personal account of his recent trip to Parliament to fight for safe lending laws.
'A real victory' as more royal commission recommendations become law
New legislation introduces a 'hawking' ban, stricter breach reporting, waiting periods and more.
Victoria bans bank marketing in schools
CHOICE welcomes the decision to end bank marketing programs such as Dollarmites in Victorian schools.
'Block this harmful plan'
Consumer groups issue an open letter calling on parliamentarians to protect safe lending laws.
The wave of debt that could soon engulf many Australians
The federal government plans to remove responsible lending obligations from credit providers – at a painful cost to borrowers.
Why safe lending laws are too important to lose
The government has proposed axing lending laws that protect every Australian – here's why we can't let that happen.
Removing lending protections will continue bad bank behaviour
At a time when banks should be increasing their obligations to the Australian community, the Government is letting them off the hook.
Banks get low marks on CHOICE COVID-19 banking scorecard
The big four banks have taken some steps to help customers affected by the economic fallout, but it's far from enough.
Our five-point plan for the banks to earn back trust during the COVID-19 crisis
Waive long-term credit card debt, cap rates at 10%, pay compensation now, and more.
Ditch your Dollarmites account
There are better ways for kids to save and learn.
Three big consumer wins from the banking royal commission
Mortgage broker best interests duty, unfair contracts laws extended to insurance, and better regulation for funeral products.
CHOICE calls on schools and parents to ditch Dollarmites
ASIC finds little evidence school banking works.
6 most urgent banking royal commission recommendations
Banking royal commission releases final report.
Would you bank with Google, Amazon, Facebook or Apple?
'GAFA' and other neo-banks are shaking up Australia's financial industry. But is neo-banking good for consumers?
Shockers from the banking royal commission
The lengths banks will go to in the pursuit of loot.
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