Prioritising your protection and privacy

Your privacy is always of utmost importance to Westpac, but especially now that your relationship status has changed. It’s now our priority to make sure you gain your independence as quickly and as simply as possible.

7 steps to help you protect your privacy

Westpac is here to help you understand your financial position, help you protect your assets and preserve your privacy as you separate. Below is a list of tips, links and considerations that you can action immediately in Westpac Online Banking (and at your local branch):

1. Update contact details

Consider updating your personal details, such as a new address, on all your personal accounts by visiting your local branch or contacting us via the Westpac App.

2. Proof of balance

Proof of Balance helps you take a snapshot of your accounts to share with your legal team or to use in settlement discussions.

3. Lock Card

Temporarily lock your card for up to 15 days. If you do need to lock a card, please inform your secondary card holder.

4. Change a Card PIN

Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your cards are protected by changing your PIN (or setting up your PIN) whenever you want with ease across all devices within Westpac Online Banking.

5. Change Westpac Online Banking password

Westpac is helping you protect your accounts by making it simple to change your Westpac Online Banking password.

6. Account Alerts

Stay as informed as possible by ensuring that your messages or alerts are set up in a way that suits you.

7. Setting limits

Westpac helps you to set your spending limits as your circumstances change. Reduce any feelings of risk or exposure by decreasing your credit card limit – you can do it quickly and easily online. Equally, if you are looking for funds to provide flexibility, you can request an increase to your credit card or daily withdrawal limit by calling or visiting your local branch.

Your privacy is our priority

Westpac strives to ensure that information pertaining to your existing or newly opened sole accounts, cards and loans will not be shared with your ex-spouse (or any other person).
 

There are a great number of benefits to remaining inside the Westpac Group for your banking. These benefits include:
 

• Fast new account and credit card set-up process
• Continued relationship with your local Westpac bankers
• No fees are charged when removing a joint borrower name from fixed-loan mortgages due to separation or divorce settlement
• If you have a positive credit history and the ability to repay mortgage payments previously from during your marriage this is considered in assessing your ability to service future loans
   

Some people prefer to transfer their accounts to a new branch or bank. If you feel strongly about this, please consult a Westpac banker. Remember that there are many options we can offer or make available to you in this complex and challenging time.
 

Start the conversation today and Westpac can help you with what you need.

Customers in need of extra care

At some point in our lives, many of us will face difficult circumstances and be in need of extra help or care.

Financial abuse in divorce

Break-up, divorce and separation changes relationships between people. Too often throughout a separation, money is used as a bargaining tool or a way to hurt the other person. Intentionally running up debt, not paying bills, outgoings or loan repayments as well as ceasing access to funds are just a few ways that financial abuse can occur after the relationship ends.
 

• Call 000 if you are in immediate danger.
• To speak with a specialist team at Westpac who can help you manage your finances during difficult circumstances call Priority Assist on 1800 063 509.
• Lifeline provides Australians experiencing a personal crisis with 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14.
• Access other forms of information and support here.