People First Bank has announced the closure of 18 branches across Australia, effective March 12, 2026. This decision includes 12 former Heritage Bank branches, three People's Choice Credit Union sites, and three agency locations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
The bank cited rapidly changing consumer habits, with less than one percent of transactions now occurring in branches, as the reason for the closures. People First Bank Chief Customer Officer Maria-Ann Camilleri stated that staff affected by the closures would be offered alternative roles, and there would be no job cuts. Camilleri also maintained that the closures were due to low usage and a shift to digital banking, not a result of the 2023 merger between Heritage Bank and People's Choice Credit Union, which had promised no branch closures.
The closures are expected to impact customers who rely on in-person banking, particularly those with intellectual disabilities or elderly individuals who do not use digital platforms. Anthony Anderson, a customer with an intellectual disability, expressed concern about the closure of his Wilsonton branch in Toowoomba, which he accesses with assistance. Similarly, Toni Osborne highlighted that her 86-year-old mother in Millmerran, who cannot use digital banking, would face a 160-kilometer round trip to the nearest branch.
Regional towns like Pittsworth and Oakey are anticipated to be left without any branch-based banking services following these closures. Local politicians, including State Member for Condamine Pat Weir and Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, have criticized the bank's decision, citing the impact on developing regional communities. Federal Liberal MP Tony Pasin also expressed disappointment.
People First Bank has confirmed it will provide support for members to transition to other banking options, including dedicated support lines that will remain active for six weeks after the closures. This event contributes to a broader national trend, with a Senate inquiry in 2024 investigating bank closures in regional Australia. It is estimated that over a third of all regional branches across Australia have since closed 2017.