You generally can't change your existing BSB number for the same account, as it identifies your bank branch, but your bank might issue a new BSB if they undergo a merger or system change, requiring you to update payees and direct debits; alternatively, if you have issues, you can open a new account with a different BSB/account number, or update your details for government payments via myGov.
Made a mistaken payment
If you have paid money to a wrong bank account, by putting in the wrong BSB or account number or choosing the wrong payee, you can contact your bank or credit union to see if they can get the money back for you. It's important to notify your bank or credit union as soon as you make the mistake.
Unfortunately, you can't change the account number for your bank, as that number tells payers and payees where to withdraw or deposit money in your name. But if your account has been compromised, you can open a new bank account.
Direct Debit fraud occurs when a debit is taken from your account without the proper authority from you set out in a valid Direct Debit request. Sometimes this has happened when BSB and account numbers published online or in a public document have been used via Direct Debit to debit accounts.
Your account details (BSB & Account Number) will remain the same.
Your account number identifies your specific account and remains unique to you. You can think of your bank account like your street address, and the routing number like the city and state.
Your new card will have a different number, so you'll need to update your card details if you've registered them anywhere. For example, with online shops or subscription payments. Destroy your old card, if you still have it, once you've started using the new one.
If a criminal has both your routing number and account number they can potentially steal money from your account through fraudulent ACH transfers and payments.
To check if your phone is hacked, look for signs like rapid battery drain, unexpected data spikes, new apps you didn't install, strange pop-ups, slow performance, or weird noises on calls, then use reputable antivirus software, check your account activity, and dial codes like *#21# to see if calls are being forwarded, taking steps like changing passwords and resetting to factory settings if needed.
Sudden charges, withdrawals, or money transfers that you didn't initiate are clear signs of account compromise. These could be small test transactions or large amounts siphoned off quickly. Tip: Review your transaction history daily and report suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
Switching bank accounts does not affect your credit score as banks do not report to credit bureaus. Negative balances or overdrafts reported to ChexSystems can hinder opening new accounts. Closing a credit card with the same bank may affect your credit score.
On your switch date
We'll transfer your balance and close your old account. All your payments move over – incoming (like salary) and outgoing (like direct debits). Any payments sent to your old account will be redirected, and we'll share your new details with the sender.
Anyone can locate a bank's routing number, but your account number is unique to you, so it is important to guard it, just as you would your Social Security number or PIN code.
BSB codes only identify banks and bank branches, whereas a bank account number identifies the particular bank account of you or your transaction partner. If you are sending money to an Australian bank account, you will need to obtain the bank account number of the transaction recipient.
Banks may refund scammed money, but it heavily depends on whether the transaction was authorized or unauthorized, how quickly you report it, and the specific circumstances, with refunds more likely for unauthorized fraud (hacks) than for authorized payments where you were tricked into sending money (like romance scams or investment scams), though credit card chargebacks and consumer protections offer avenues for recovery. Your best chance for a refund involves immediate reporting, especially for unauthorized transfers, using credit cards for payments, and providing documentation to your bank.
If you open a new account, even if it's at the same bank as your existing accounts, it'll have a different BSB if it's at a different branch.
Understand the *#21# result
Scammers sometimes activate forwarding to receive incoming calls or OTP messages meant for you. If a forwarding number is displayed and you did not set it yourself, it could put your bank alerts, verification codes, and private calls at risk.
Why do Android phones turn up in breach headlines so often? Android powers most of the world's phones and many run outdated software, so attackers get more mileage for their effort. iPhones see fewer hits overall but attract highly skilled spyware crews.
Secure Your Accounts: Upon learning you've been hacked, immediately change passwords for all your online accounts. Start with those associated with sensitive information such as banking, email, and investments. From there, move on to accounts that contain less sensitive information such as social media and e-commerce.
Yes, someone can potentially take money using just your BSB and account number, primarily through setting up unauthorized direct debits (if they get past security checks) or combining them with other personal info for more complex fraud, but it's much harder to withdraw funds like an ATM withdrawal without your PIN or login details; the main risk is setting up recurring payments or using them with other stolen data like your driver's license, so always share details with trusted entities and monitor your statements closely.
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts.
Change Your Password Immediately: Pick a new, strong password. Look at Your Transactions: Check your recent transactions for any signs of theft. Lock Your Card: Ask your bank to freeze your debit or credit card. Keep a Record: Write down what you see and save any strange messages.
How to find out if someone opened a credit card in your name
As you've no doubt guessed, getting a new card does not affect your direct debits. A direct debit is linked to your bank account rather than your debit card. As such, no matter how much your card and card number change, your direct debits will remain unaffected.
Some activity will continue to be allowed such as debit transactions that you authorized before you locked your account, monthly maintenance fees, transactions crediting your account, ACH debit transactions that use your account and routing number (i.e. Direct Deposit), recurring bill payments, mobile check deposit, ...