Getting help from someone you trust
Are you preparing for a major life change or do you simply need some support managing your banking? You can choose to authorise someone you trust to help. Here’s what you need to know.
When should you consider an authority?
Life doesn’t always go to plan. There may be times when you want someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, carer or adviser to help manage your banking, because you’re:
- Experiencing health or mobility challenges
- Managing cognitive decline
- Travelling for an extended period
- Preparing for future loss of capacity
- Feeling overwhelmed by finances or debt.
What is an authority?
An authority lets someone you trust speak or act on your behalf when managing your account. You can decide whether it’s for a short time or longer term and what actions they can take on your behalf.
Before allowing someone to manage your banking, you should consider seeking legal advice to make sure this decision is right for you.
An overview of authorities
If you need help with your banking, you have a few options.
Authorised third party
Allows someone you trust, such as a financial counsellor, to speak with us to request support on your behalf.
Authority to operate
Allows someone you trust to manage and transact on your account based on the account’s operating rules.
General power of attorney
Allows someone you trust to make financial and legal decisions for you while you are still able to make decisions yourself.
Enduring power of attorney
Allows someone you trust to make financial and legal decisions for you, both now and in the future, when you’re unable to make decisions yourself.
Financial management order
Appoints a trusted person or public official to manage your finances after you have lost the ability to make decisions yourself.
Understanding what’s right for you
Each type of authority works a little differently with its own responsibilities and limits. Explore the options below to see how they work and find the option that best suits your needs.
Types of authorities
What is it?
An authorised third party is someone you authorise to speak with us on your behalf. This could be:
- A trusted person (family member, friend, or carer)
- A professional you’re working with (e.g. a financial counsellor or debt management firm).
They can help if you need to contact us by phone for example, to request financial hardship assistance or make a complaint. They won’t have direct access to your accounts.
What can they do?
- Speak with us on your behalf
- Seek and exchange personal information with us
- Negotiate or make decisions for you (e.g. repayments plans or settlement arrangements)
- Receive account related information or notifications.
What can’t they do?
- Access your accounts
- View account balance
- Make transactions
- Change or update your contact details.
Key information
- Eligibility: Adults aged 18+
- Set up: Submit a completed Authorised third-party form (PDF 58KB) via post or email
- Duration: Ongoing or until we receive a request to remove them
- Removal process: You can request to remove them in branch.
Find out more
Learn more about Westpac Group’s Expectations of authorised third parties (PDF 192KB).
Staying informed and protecting yourself
Choosing someone to make financial decisions on your behalf is an important decision and it can come with risks. Giving another person access to your accounts can increase your exposure to financial abuse, misuse or fraud.
Before setting up an authority arrangement, it’s important to understand the potential impact and how to protect yourself.
To help you stay in control, here are a few key things to consider.
Pick someone you trust
The person you appoint may have significant authority over your financial or legal affairs. Choose someone you trust completely.
Define and monitor access
Clearly outline the level and duration of access you’re granting. As you may not have visibility into all actions taken on your account, monitor account activity and transactions regularly.
Get independent legal advice
For arrangements like power of attorney or enduring authorities, it’s advisable to get independent legal advice while you have decision making capacity and before making a choice.
Keeping yourself safe
As an account owner
- Choose the right option for your needs: take time to understand how it works
- Appoint trusted individuals who will act in your best interest
- Clearly define access: specify accounts, permissions, and duration
- Be aware of privacy and financial abuse risks
- Review transactions regularly and update access and permissions
- Promptly notify us of any changes.
As an authorised representative
- Follow your legal obligations
- Always act in the account holder’s best interest
- Keep records of all transactions and decisions
- Support periodic checks of activity by the account holder
- Report concerns about the account holder’s wellbeing to appropriate parties
- Promptly notify us of any changes.
What to do if something doesn’t feel right
If you’re concerned that your authorised person is causing harm, contact our Priority Assist team on 1800 080 470, Monday to Friday, 8.30am–7.30pm Sydney time. We’re here to support you and help keep your finances safe.
You can also make a few immediate changes to protect yourself.
Consider changing your passwords and PINs
Amend access to your internet banking by changing your password and change PINs on your debit and credit cards.
Temporarily lock your card
If you suspect fraud or believe your details have been compromised, you can temporarily lock your cards to prevent any transactions. You’ll have the flexibility to unlock them anytime once you’re ready.
Report a transaction
If someone with access to your account is spending your money in a way that doesn’t benefit you, or if you notice any unusual transactions, or unauthorised changes, report immediately.
Resources and assistance beyond banking
External support services
Compass is a service that offers guidance on enduring powers, legal capacity, choosing an attorney, and preventing misuse, with state-specific checklists included.
Safe & Savvy
A guide to help people avoid scams, fraud, and elder financial abuse.
Forms and resources
Learn more
Elder financial abuse
Domestic violence and financial abuse
Frauds and scams
Important information
Any information on this website is general in nature and has been prepared without considering your objectives, circumstances or needs. You should consider your individual circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate.
Rules for powers of attorney and financial management orders vary by state and territory. Support services are available in your state or territory to help you make decisions about authorities and managing your financial affairs. For the most current information, contact your state or territory Public Trustee.
QLD — Public Trustee of Queensland
NSW — New South Wales Trustee and Guardian
ACT — Public Trustee and Guardian for the Australian Capital Territory
VIC — State Trustees of Victoria
SA — South Australian Public Trustee
NT — Northern Territory Public Guardian and Trustee