Heritage Bank

If you’re in Australia, I’d compare customer-owned banks as well as institutions still called credit unions. Several of the biggest credit unions now use a bank name, but remain member-owned. My shortlist is based on established customer bases, available products and independent assessments—not a claim that one provider has the best rate for everyone. (apra.gov.au)

My quick pick: start with Police Credit Union for a traditional credit union, Great Southern Bank for savings, and People First Bank if you want a larger mutual for several banking products. Then compare the current savings conditions or a home loan’s comparison rate and fees for your circumstances; awards and advertised rates aren’t a personal recommendation. Eligible Australian-dollar deposits are covered by the Financial Claims Scheme up to $250,000 per account holder, per authorised deposit-taking institution, not per brand or account. (canstar.com.au)

Best credit unions and customer-owned banks in Australia

Most Australian credit unions now call themselves "customer-owned banks" or "mutual banks". They are still member-owned and have no external shareholders. The sector is also consolidating through mergers, so brand names change often.

Biggest and most widely used

There are more than 70 customer-owned banks in Australia. By total assets as of July 2026, the largest are:

• People First Bank, Newcastle Greater Mutual Group, Great Southern Bank, Bank Australia and Teachers Mutual Bank.
• Beyond Bank, P&N Bank, IMB Bank, Defence Bank and Unity Bank.

Award-winners worth a look

• Heritage Bank / People's Choice (People First Bank): Heritage took Canstar's Customer-Owned Bank of the Year for the third year in a row. It is still unifying with People's Choice. The two launched the People First Bank digital platform in May. People's Choice was also Mozo's best customer-owned bank, but that was in the 2025 awards.
• Great Southern Bank (formerly CUA): It won Canstar's 2026 Everyday Banking award for customer-owned institutions. Its credit card range now includes a low-rate card and an uncapped cashback card. It's open to everyone.
• Police Credit Union: Mozo named it Australia's Best Credit Union in its 2025 awards. Check its eligibility rules, as membership has traditionally been tied to the police and related community.
• MOVE Bank: Mozo named it the Best Small Customer Owned Bank in 2025.
• Bank Australia: It is a large ethical-minded mutual. It offers Apple Pay and Google Pay, plus fee-free withdrawals at its own ATMs and all major banks' ATMs.
• Teachers Mutual Bank: After merging with Australian Mutual Bank in 2026, membership is open to all Australian citizens and permanent residents.
• Beyond Bank: A large mutual based in Adelaide that is popular nationally.

Recent changes to know about

• G&C Mutual and Unity Bank merged in March.
• Illawarra Credit Union is now Community First Bank.
• Bank Australia absorbed Qudos Bank, the former Qantas staff credit union.

How to choose

1. Check eligibility. Some, like Teachers Mutual Bank and Firefighters Mutual Bank, have historically served only specific industries. Many now accept anyone.
2. Compare the product, not the brand. Awards cover different categories such as home loans, savings accounts and credit cards. Compare current rates on Canstar, Mozo or Finder for the product you want.
3. Check protections. These institutions are APRA-regulated ADIs, so deposits are covered by the Financial Claims Scheme up to $250,000 per person per institution. They also follow the Customer-owned Banking Code of Practice.
4. Check branch and ATM access. Smaller mutuals may have few branches, though most give fee-free access to major bank ATMs.

If you tell me what you need (home loan, savings, everyday account, credit card) and your state, I can narrow this down.

In Australia, most traditional credit unions have rebranded or converted to Customer-Owned Banks or Mutual Banks. They operate under the exact same principle as credit unions: they are owned by their members rather than external shareholders, meaning profits are reinvested back to customers through better interest rates, lower fees, and stronger customer service.

All customer-owned banks in Australia are Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) regulated by APRA. This means deposits up to $250,000 per member are guaranteed by the Australian Government under the Financial Claims Scheme (FCS), making them just as safe as banking with the Big Four (CommBank, Westpac, NAB, ANZ).

Below are the best customer-owned banks and credit unions in Australia, categorized by size, products, and popular use cases.

1. The "Big Four" Customer-Owned Banks

These four institutions lead the customer-owned sector in Australia, offering national presence, strong digital banking apps, and extensive product ranges.

People First Bank (Formed by Heritage Bank & People’s Choice)

• Best for: Everyday banking, home loans, and branch access.
• Overview: The largest customer-owned bank in Australia by asset size, created by the merger of Heritage Bank (QLD) and People’s Choice Credit Union (SA/VIC).
• Key Products: Very competitive variable and fixed-rate home loans, solid bonus savings accounts, and Australia-based customer support with over 90 branches across SA, QLD, VIC, and NT.

Great Southern Bank (Formerly CUA - Credit Union Australia)

• Best for: High-interest savings accounts and first-home buyers.
• Overview: One of Australia’s most recognisable national mutual brands.
• Key Products:
  • Home Saver / Goal Saver Accounts: Consistently offers some of the highest bonus savings interest rates in the market for younger savers and depositors who meet simple monthly criteria.
  • First Home Buyer Loans: Offers low-deposit home loan options participating in government guarantee schemes.

Bank Australia (Incorporating Qudos Bank)

• Best for: Ethical banking and environmental conscious consumers.
• Overview: Widely considered Australia’s leading ethical bank. They do not finance fossil fuel projects, live animal exports, or the arms industry, and they own their own conservation reserve.
• Key Products:
  • Clean Energy Home Loans & Car Loans: Discounted rates for eco-friendly builds, solar installations, and electric vehicle purchases.
  • Strong mobile app with seamless PayID, Apple Pay, and Google Pay integrations.

Newcastle Greater Mutual (NGM Group) (Newcastle Permanent & Greater Bank)

• Best for: Home loan value and East Coast regional branch networks.
• Overview: A powerhouse in New South Wales, formed by merging two of the state's most trusted institutions. Both brands still operate their familiar storefronts across NSW.
• Key Products: Consistently recognized by Canstar and Mozo for Outstanding Value Home Loans, offering low comparison rates and fee-free offset accounts.

2. Best for Industry & Profession Groups

Many Australian credit unions were originally created to serve specific workforces and still offer specialized packages for those workers:

• Teachers Mutual Bank (Includes Health Professionals Bank, Firefighters Mutual Bank, and UniBank):
  • Who it’s for: Teachers, university staff, nurses, healthcare workers, and emergency service workers.
  • Why use them: Tailored benefits like lower home loan deposit requirements for essential workers, fee discounts, and targeted green personal loans.
• Defence Bank:
  • Who it’s for: Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, veterans, and their families.
  • Why use them: Dedicated ADF Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) home loans, on-base branches, and flexible terms for deployed personnel.
• Police Bank / BankVic:
  • Who it’s for: Police officers, emergency personnel, and health sector staff.
  • Why use them: Deep understanding of shift-work pay structures when assessing loan approvals, plus competitive loan rates.

3. Best Regional & Community Customer-Owned Banks

If you prefer banking locally or supporting community-driven enterprises, these top-tier mid-sized banks offer high satisfaction ratings:

• Beyond Bank (SA, WA, ACT, NSW, VIC): B Corp certified, highly rated for community grants, lower fees, and competitive term deposit rates.
• P&N Bank: Western Australia’s premier customer-owned bank, offering great home loans and local branch networks.
• IMB Bank: Popular across NSW and the ACT with strong fixed and variable home loan options.
• Regional Australia Bank: Widely used across regional NSW, known for community profit-sharing programs and personalized lending decisions.

Summary Recommendation: Which one should you choose?

1. For Everyday Savings & App Banking: Great Southern Bank or People First Bank.
2. For Ethical & Green Banking: Bank Australia.
3. For Home Loans: Newcastle Permanent / Greater Bank or Beyond Bank.
4. For Essential Workers (Teachers, ADF, Police, Health): Teachers Mutual Bank or Defence Bank.

Tip: Before opening an account, always verify whether you need branch access in your local area, check if the app supports your preferred mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay), and confirm you meet any bonus rate conditions on savings accounts.

In Australia, the strongest customer-owned banks and credit unions to shortlist are People First Bank, Great Southern Bank, Bank Australia, Teachers Mutual Bank, Beyond Bank and Police Credit Union. Most former credit unions now call themselves customer-owned or mutual banks, but they remain member-owned rather than shareholder-owned.

Practical recommendations

• Want one main bank for your mortgage and daily banking? Start with People First Bank or Great Southern Bank.
• Want an ethical alternative to the major banks? Compare Bank Australia.
• Work in education, health or emergency services? Check Teachers Mutual Bank first.
• Prefer a member-focused institution with a community connection? Consider Police Credit Union or a strong local mutual.
• Want the best rate rather than a particular brand? Compare the specific home-loan, savings and transaction-account products; rates and eligibility can vary more than the institution’s reputation.
• Need nationwide access? Check ATM arrangements, branch locations, cash-deposit options and app functionality before switching. Customer-owned banks are often smaller than the major banks, even when their products are competitive.

All authorised deposit-taking institutions listed above are covered by Australia’s Financial Claims Scheme, which protects eligible deposits up to the government-set limit per account holder per institution. Verify current rates, fees, eligibility and product terms directly before applying, since these change frequently.

In Australia, “credit union” is often used loosely — many have rebranded as customer-owned banks or mutual banks. They’re still member-owned, not shareholder-owned, and deposits are covered by the Australian Government’s Financial Claims Scheme up to $250k per depositor per ADI.

There’s no single “best” — it depends on whether you want a transaction account, savings, home loan, or business banking. But these are the customer-owned brands people actually use and that are generally competitive:

Quick picks by need

• Best nationwide all-rounder: Great Southern Bank.
• Best if you’re in NSW/ACT and want branches: Newcastle Permanent or Greater Bank.
• Best for teachers/health/emergency workers: Teachers Mutual Bank and its affiliates.
• Best for values/ethics: Bank Australia.
• Best for QLD/SA: Heritage Bank or People’s Choice.
• Best for Victorian public sector/health: BankVic.
• Best for police/defence: Police Bank or QBANK.

Practical tip: For a transaction account, compare monthly fees, ATM fees, international transaction fees, and app quality. For savings, check the bonus-rate conditions. For a home loan, compare the comparison rate, offset/redraw, and package fees — not just the headline rate. Rates change often, so verify current offers on each mutual’s website before applying.

If I had to name one shortlist: Great Southern Bank, Newcastle Permanent/Greater Bank, Teachers Mutual Bank, Bank Australia, Heritage/People’s Choice, and Beyond Bank are the most mainstream customer-owned options people actually use.

Top credit unions (now often called customer-owned or mutual banks) in Australia stand out for high customer satisfaction, competitive rates on loans/savings, and member-focused service—reinvesting profits back into better deals and communities rather than shareholder dividends.

Many have rebranded as “banks” (e.g., Great Southern Bank) but remain mutuals. They’re popular alternatives to the big four (CommBank, NAB, ANZ, Westpac) for everyday banking, home loans, personal loans, and savings, especially if you value service and value over massive branch networks. Most are now open to the general public (though some started with specific groups like teachers or police).

Here are the standout ones based on recent 2025 awards, customer satisfaction surveys (YouGov, Roy Morgan, Canstar, Mozo), and popularity by assets/size:

• People First Bank (formerly People’s Choice Credit Union): Frequently tops customer satisfaction rankings, including YouGov’s 2025 Consumer Bank Rankings with the highest net satisfaction score (70.4). It’s one of the largest by assets and a strong all-rounder for home loans, savings, and everyday banking. Great for those wanting a big mutual with improving digital offerings.

• Great Southern Bank (formerly CUA): One of Australia’s largest mutuals by assets and a consistent performer in satisfaction (e.g., 67.9 in YouGov 2025) and product awards. Competitive on personal loans, home loans, and credit cards. Popular nationwide with solid digital tools.

• Teachers Mutual Bank: Named Money magazine’s Customer-Owned Institution of the Year for 2025. Praised for strong service, competitive rates (e.g., low credit card rates and good savings/home loan options), and member focus. High satisfaction scores in multiple surveys; open to the public now.

• Police Credit Union: Won Mozo Experts Choice “Australia’s Best Credit Union” for the third year running in 2025. Known for consistently strong value across home loans, car loans, personal loans, and other products. Open to everyone despite the name.

• P&N Bank (Western Australia-focused but expanding): Regularly tops or ranks near the top in Roy Morgan customer satisfaction (e.g., 93.4% in earlier reports). Excellent for personal service and value.

• Beyond Bank: Strong satisfaction performer (66.9 in YouGov 2025) and a large mutual with good community focus and competitive products.

Other notables:

• Bank Australia: Ethical/responsible banking focus; large and well-regarded.
• Newcastle Greater Mutual Group (includes Newcastle Permanent): Major player by assets with strong regional presence.
• Smaller/niche winners like MOVE Bank (Mozo’s best small customer-owned bank) or regional ones like IMB Bank or Defence Bank for specific needs.

Quick tips for Aussies:

• Check eligibility and product rates directly on their sites or comparison sites like Canstar, Mozo, or Finder, as offers change.
• Many excel in home loans or high-interest savings—shop around for your specific needs (e.g., Police CU or Great Southern for loans).
• Customer-owned banks often beat the majors on satisfaction (typically 85–95% vs. lower for big banks) and can offer better rates or fewer fees.
• Use tools like the Customer Owned Banking Association’s “Find a bank” for options matching your location or values.

These are the ones people actually rate highly and use daily based on awards and surveys. Start with People First Bank or Great Southern Bank if you want scale and top satisfaction, or Teachers Mutual/Police CU for award-winning service. Always compare current rates and fees for your situation.

The strongest, most widely used customer‑owned banks and credit unions in Australia include Bank Australia, Beyond Bank, Community First Credit Union, Coastline Credit Union, and Australian Military Bank, all of which are formally rated and researched as leading mutual institutions.

Not financial advice — please confirm details with a qualified professional.

What counts as a “top” credit union?

Australia groups credit unions under the broader category of customer‑owned banks, which also includes mutual banks and building societies; all are regulated ADIs under the Banking Act and offer the same core products as major banks. These institutions are known for high customer satisfaction, community focus, and profits reinvested into member benefits.

Major customer‑owned institutions researched and rated

Canstar’s mutual banking list identifies several prominent credit unions and mutual banks that Australians actively use:

Bank Australia — One of the largest customer‑owned banks; known for ethical banking and strong home loan and credit card offerings. Beyond Bank — A frequent award recipient; offers competitive home loans and strong digital banking. Community First Credit Union — Popular in NSW; offers competitive personal loans and savings products. Coastline Credit Union — Regional credit union with strong community presence and member satisfaction. Australian Military Bank — Serves Defence personnel; praised for personalised service and tailored products. bcu (formerly Banana Coast Credit Union) — Well‑established regional institution with broad consumer banking options. BankVic — Serves Victorian public sector workers; known for member‑focused service. Big Sky Building Society — Part of the customer‑owned sector with a full suite of banking products.

These institutions are part of the 47 customer‑owned banks represented by the Customer Owned Banking Association.

Why Australians choose these institutions

Customer‑owned banks consistently score high on satisfaction because they:

Reinvest profits into better rates and lower fees. Are regulated to the same standards as major banks (APRA, ASIC). Focus on personalised service and community support, with testimonials highlighting strong member relationships.

Quick comparison of top institutions

Institution | Type | Known For | Why People Choose It Bank Australia | Mutual bank | Ethical banking, broad product range | Strong national presence; values‑driven approach Beyond Bank | Mutual bank | Award‑winning home loans | Competitive rates; good digital banking 1 Community First Credit Union | Credit union | Savings & personal loans | Local service; strong member focus Coastline Credit Union | Credit union | Community banking | High satisfaction; regional support Australian Military Bank | Credit union | Defence‑focused products | Tailored services; strong member loyalty 1 bcu | Credit union | Everyday banking | Regional strength; long history 2 Sources2

How to choose the right one

Consider:

Product needs (home loan, savings, term deposits, credit cards). Branch or regional presence if in Australia. Digital banking quality (Canstar rates this explicitly ). Community or occupational alignment (e.g., Defence, public sector).

If you want, I can help you narrow this list based on specific products (home loans, savings accounts, term deposits) or your banking priorities.

Top-rated credit unions and customer-owned banks in Australia stand out for competitive home loans, low-fee everyday accounts, and strong customer satisfaction.

Top Credit Unions and Customer-Owned Brands

Police Credit Union: Named a leading credit union recognized for exceptional home loans, personal and car loans, competitive deposit products, and high customer service. Credit Union SA: Honored for product consistency, offering standout rates on credit cards, personal loans, home loans, and savings. People's Choice: Recognized as a top customer-owned bank for all-round value across savings, everyday accounts, and loans. Bank Australia: Favored for ethical banking, strong environmental and social impact funding, and everyday access accounts with zero monthly fees. Great Southern Bank: A prominent customer-owned bank offering competitive low-rate credit cards and zero-fee transaction account options. MOVE Bank & RACQ Bank: Noted performers in the small and regional customer-owned banking categories respectively.

Popular Products Used by Members

Everyday Transaction Accounts: Many credit unions offer $0 monthly account fee structures (similar to options at Beyond Bank or Defence Bank ) with digital app support. Home & Personal Loans: Credit unions frequently outshine major commercial banks on variable/fixed home loan packages and car loans. Low-Rate Credit Cards: Options like the Credit Union SA Visa Credit Card and Firefighters Mutual Bank Credit Card feature low introductory or ongoing purchase rates and flexible interest-free days. Firefighters Mutual Bank Credit Card

To help tailor a recommendation, what is your primary goal (e.g., switching everyday banking, finding a home loan, or opening a high-interest savings account )?

In Australia, credit unions and mutual/customer-owned banks operate on the same principle: they are owned by their members rather than public shareholders, meaning profits are typically redirected into better interest rates, lower fees, and community initiatives.

The top-performing and most widely used customer-owned banking institutions and brands in Australia stand out for specific strengths and everyday products:

1. Bank Australia

Best for: Ethical banking and transparent credit cards. Why people use it: Bank Australia has carved out a massive following for its explicit commitment to clean money (refusing to fund fossil fuel extraction and live animal export). It consistently scores well for customer satisfaction and won recognition in the Canstar Most Satisfied Customer Awards for its transparent, eco-conscious credit card options. Core Products: Everyday transaction accounts, clean-energy car loans, and ethical reward credit cards.

2. Teachers Mutual Bank (and its sector divisions like UniBank, Firefighters Mutual Bank, and Health Professionals Bank)

Best for: Overall customer satisfaction among mutuals. Why people use it: Operating under a large mutual umbrella, Teachers Mutual Bank frequently takes home industry awards (including Canstar’s Customer-Owned Bank of the Year for Most Satisfied Customers). Members praise its personalized service, robust digital banking app, and community-tailored lending. Core Products: Competitive home loans, low-rate personal loans, and everyday banking with zero monthly account-keeping fees.

3. People First Bank (formed via Heritage and People’s Choice merger)

Best for: Home loans and regional-to-national scale service. Why people use it: Following the major merger of Heritage Bank and People’s Choice, People First Bank is one of the largest customer-owned operations in the country. It bridges the gap between a traditional local credit union feel and the digital capability of a major bank, winning accolades for responsive home loan communication. Core Products: Feature-rich mortgage packages, high-interest savings options, and everyday accounts.

4. Beyond Bank Australia

Best for: Community development and regional/metro branch accessibility. Why people use it: Beyond Bank is heavily embedded in local communities across South Australia, the ACT, New South Wales, and Victoria. Members regularly rate them highly for community support, corporate social responsibility, and friendly branch staff. Core Products: Community-focused reward accounts, low-fee everyday banking, and local grant-backed savings structures.

5. Defence Bank / Australian Military Bank

Best for: Defence personnel and veteran communities. Why people use it: While membership traditionally focused heavily on Australian Defence Force personnel and their families, these institutions specialize tightly in the unique lifestyle, relocations, and financial needs of service members. They offer tailored packages that standard commercial banks often reject or mismanage. Core Products: Specialized relocation-friendly banking, specialized personal/car loans, and competitive defense mortgages.

What to Look Out For When Choosing

Access to ATMs: Most customer-owned banks and credit unions in Australia belong to the atmx or Heritage/Beyond bank alliance networks, allowing fee-free withdrawals at thousands of machines nationwide. Digital Experience: While older credit unions used to lag behind in app development, major mutuals have heavily upgraded; brands like Bank Australia and Teachers Mutual offer modern apps with real-time notifications and digital wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay) compatibility. Check the Fees: Review current comparisons on Canstar Mutual Banking or Finder Banking Awards to see which institution matches your exact region or profession for the lowest ongoing fees.