Say hello to People First Bank
Heritage Bank and People's Choice merged in 2023 to create one of Australia's largest customer-owned banks.
On 5 May 2026, People First Bank officially launched.
About this Rate
What this means for our Heritage Bank customers
For now, there’s nothing you need to do. You can continue to use your Heritage accounts, services, App and Internet Banking as normal.
While we’re excited to invite our Heritage customers into People First Bank, our priority is ensuring your transition is seamless.
For this reason, even after People First Bank launches, the way you bank will remain the same for now. You'll continue to receive communication under the Heritage brand as we work towards bringing our products, services and technology together.
Rest assured, we will give you plenty of notice ahead of any changes and support you every step of the way.
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.
We’re on an exciting journey to bring our products, services and technology together under the People First Bank brand. This will take a little bit more 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.
Our story in 3 minutes
Watch a video to learn about the historic moments that lead us to where we are today.
Are your details up to date?
To stay up to date with People First Bank, make sure to keep your communication preferences and contact details up to date. This will make sure you’re the first to know of upcoming changes that may affect the way you bank.
To update your details, head to: Internet Banking > Settings > Manage Contact Details.
And to update your notification settings, head to: Internet Banking > Settings > Notification Settings.
We’ve been bringing the People First Brand to life - bit by bit.
New-look branches
We’re taking a phased approach to introducing the People First Bank brand to our Heritage branches. This started in 2025 with the transformation of our People’s Choice branches and Toowoomba Head Office to the People First Bank brand. In the future, we’ll begin transforming our network of Heritage branches to reflect our new brand.
Rest assured, any changes to your local branch will be communicated to regular users with plenty of notice.
A fresh look for our friendly faces
Next time you visit a Heritage branch, you may notice our friendly team wearing People First Bank uniforms.
This is a positive step towards bringing our Australia-wide teams together and slowly introducing our new brand to our regular branch visitors.
While our team will be wearing different uniforms, you’ll see the same smiling faces and personalised service in your local branch.
Are we still a mutual given 'Bank' is in our new name?
Yes. We’re still 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.
Can I still do my banking at Heritage now that People First Bank has launched?
Yes, you can continue to use your Heritage accounts, services, App and Internet Banking as normal.
Now that People First Bank has launched, what do I need to do?
There’s nothing you need to do just yet. After People First Bank launches, the way you bank with us will remain the same for now.
Don’t worry, we will give you plenty of notice ahead of any changes, and support you every step of the way.
Will products and services change?
There are no immediate changes. and the Heritage Bank brand will continue to operate as usual for now.
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.
My branch team is wearing People First Bank uniforms, what does this mean?
You’ll see the same staff in your local branch, just wearing a new uniform. We’ve introduced People First Bank uniforms into our branches as another step towards bringing our brands and nationwide employees together.
Rest assured, you’ll find the same Heritage products and services in branch you know and love.
What happens next?
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.
If you receive a call claiming to be from People First Bank, Heritage Bank or People’s Choice asking for your personal details, passwords or authentication codes, hang up and call us on 13 14 22 so that we can verify if the caller was legitimate.
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.
- Contact you to request your login details, security codes, card details, or one-time passwords.
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 official website addresses for our bank:
People First Bank https://www.peoplefirstbank.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.
Are you an existing Heritage member?
This will determine how best we can help.