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Customer-owned banks including Unity Bank have once again been named Australia’s most trusted banking sector, according to the latest Roy Morgan Bank Trust and Distrust Scores Report.  The report, based on Roy Morgan’s ongoing Risk Monitor surveying approximately 25,000 Australians1 each year, marks customer-owned banking’s second consecutive recognition as most trusted sector and shows a further improvement in their collective Net Trust Score2 since the previous report in May 2023. The improved score for the mutual sector contrasts starkly with the broader banking industry. Since May 2023, distrust has worsened with 3.2 million (14.2%) of Australians aged 14 and over now expressing distrust towards either specific banks or the overall banking sector in general. The banking sector as a whole ranked 24th out of 27 industries for net trust, only surpassing telecommunications, supermarkets, and social media companies. In contrast, customer-owned banks ranked 7th on the scale. “Trust is something that is earned, and customer-owed banks’ people-first approach translates to competitive rates, innovative products, superior services, and a strong commitment to local communities, which explains why Australians continue to place their trust in mutual banks,” Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) CEO Michael Lawrence explained. “Customer-owned banks are built differently. We’re owned by our customers, which means our purpose is to create long-term value for them and their communities. Unlike listed banks, financial performance is not our purpose - it enables our purpose,” he added.   The report also found Australians define trust using terms like ‘reliable’, ‘good service’, and ‘honest’, but describe distrust with expressions like ‘greedy’, ’profit-driven’, and ‘unethical’.  Customer-owned banks, which includes mutual banks, credit unions and building societies, collectively serve over 5.4 million Australians and have been providing purpose-led banking for nearly 180 years.  1 Reporting period is 12 months to January 2025. The customer-owned banking sector outperformed even the highest-rated investor-owned bank, with a collective Net Trust Score higher than any individual bank 2 The customer-owned banking sector recorded far more trust than distrust, resulting in an overall Net Trust Score of 1.00. In contrast, the entire banking industry recorded a Distrust Score of -14.26 and a Net Distrust Score of -3.97. This places the overall banking sector deeply in Net Distrust territory.  

On Tuesday 20 May 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced a decrease of 0.25%p.a. to the official cash rate. Following this, we have reviewed the interest rates applicable to our variable rate home loans and advise that the rates for existing mortgage holders will decrease by 0.25%p.a., effective from 1 June 2025. Our variable savings rates will decrease by up to 0.30%p.a., effective from 26 May 2025. Whilst the Bonus Saver Account decrease will be effective from 1 June 2025. Members can refer to their upcoming statements for information in relation to their loan product/s and any relevant repayment changes. Whilst changes to the RBA cash rate is one of the factors that informs our pricing decisions, there are other factors that we consider such as economic and market conditions, cost to lend and the competitor landscape. This helps us to assess and to continue to offer competitive rates to our members. If you would like further information on any of our products or services, please review the information on our website or contact us to see how we can help.

Members are advised of an important change in how you make payments into your account due to recent industry changes. What’s changing? If you’re sending money into your account using Osko, you’ll now need to use: Our new BSB number (659 000), and your new Member Number or new Account Reference Number. These changes ensure your payments are processed quickly and correctly. Standard bank transfers are not affected by this change. However, we recommend using our new BSB and your new Member Number or New Account Reference Number for all transfers to ensure future compatibility and smoother processing. What do you need to do? Please update your payment details wherever you make or receive payments (such as saved payees, or third-party payment services) to reflect this new information. If you’re unsure of your new Member Number or new Account Reference Number, or you have any questions, our team is ready to help you on 1300 36 2000 or at mail@unitybank.com.au

Today marks an important milestone as the merger-of-equals between G&C Mutual Bank and Unity Bank takes effect, with the legal merge and banking system integration taking place on 7 March 2025. This follows the earlier regulatory approval and overwhelmingly positive member vote and is the culmination of over 18 months of planning and collaboration by staff across both organisations. Unity Bank CEO Danny Pavisic and G&C Mutual Bank CEO Rosanna Argall noted that the successful completion of the merger helps secure a strong future as one of Australia’s leading mutually owned banks. "Both organisations have always prioritised the needs of our members and the communities we serve, and this merger creates an even stronger platform for us to fulfill that mission. As we move forward together, we are excited to offer even greater benefits to our members and continue our legacy of trust, service, and community engagement.” Member benefits of the merger include access to an expanded branch network, continuity of access to exceptional staff and face-to-face service, improved product range with fewer and lower fees, increased ability for technological investment, scale efficiencies and a continued commitment to member first principles of mutuality. At a combined $3.8b in assets, the merger provides even greater opportunity to continue the strong growth of the organisations, with both having tracked well above system growth in recent years. The merged entity will be G&C Mutual Bank Limited immediately following the merger, changing to Unity Bank Limited from 1 July 2025. The G&C Mutual Bank, Unity Bank and Reliance Bank brands will be retained and consolidated into a single Unity Bank brand over the next 12 months.

As part of the merger with G&C Mutual Bank, members are advised that the Account and Access Facilities Terms and Conditions of Unity Bank and G&C Mutual Bank have been combined. While there are no significant changes to the terms themselves, we want to ensure that members are informed about this update. The combined Account and Access Facilities Terms and Conditions are effective as of 7 March 2025. We recommend you take the time to read through the Account and Access Facilities Terms and Conditions, to familiarise yourself with the document and understand how it may impact you. By using your account and access facilities with Unity Bank and G&C Mutual Bank after the date the changes take effect, you agree to the combined terms and conditions applying.

Your Unity Bank Visa card is giving you new ways to win! Pay with your Unity Bank Visa Card and you could win a trip to the Melbourne Race Weekend. It’s easy: simply use your Unity Bank Visa Card between 13 January, 2025 to 20 February, 2025 and every 10 qualifying transactions will earn an entry. The more transactions, the greater your chance to win.  Prizes include: 1 of 4 Melbourne Race Trips including flights* and 4 nights’ accommodation Or 1 of 16 exclusive merchandise packs So, get tapping and you could be off to the races!   T&Cs apply (visa.com.au/promotions/terms-and-conditions-cuscal-race-weekend.html). AU 18+, Visa debit/credit card holders issued by Participating Financial Institutions (see terms). Ends 20/2/25. 1 Prize p/person (excl SA) *Including $2k flight voucher for flights NSW Authority No. TP/04034. ACT Permit No. TP24/02971. SA Permit No. T24/2262.