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Foreign Cash Services – Important Update.

Westpac is discontinuing foreign cash services in branches. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about what’s changing, when, and the alternatives available.

What’s changing?

From 30 January 2026, Westpac will no longer buy or sell foreign currency cash (notes) in branches and will no longer provide deposits or withdrawals of foreign cash to or from Foreign Currency Accounts. In the lead-up to closure, foreign cash stocks may be limited and subject to availability.

This change only applies to physical foreign cash. Other foreign currency services such as international money transfers and Foreign Currency Accounts remain available.

Why is this change happening?

Customers continue to choose different ways to manage their money and spending, including when travelling. Many customers are now using alternative ways to pay overseas, such as credit and debit cards, over foreign currency cash.

We're simplifying our product offering and focusing on safer, more convenient digital preferences of our customers, such as card-based solutions.

What are my options when the service ends?

Digital and card-based alternatives:

  • Use your Fee Free Mastercard® and Debit Mastercard® and other Westpac cards overseas to withdraw local currency from ATMs or pay directly with retailers.1 Learn more about using your card overseas.
  • Use a Westpac Global Currency Card – a reloadable prepaid card supporting up to nine currencies, with locked exchange rates and no monthly fees.2
  • We provide secure channels for safely sending and receiving money from overseas with international money transfers.
  • Use Travelex: Westpac customers get special rates when buying or selling foreign cash. Use promo code WESTPACFX when buying online at travelex.co.nz  or purchasing in person3. You'll need to show proof you’re a Westpac customer (for example, a Westpac bank statement or a card with your name on it) when buying or picking up your foreign cash at any Travelex store.

How will this affect my Foreign Currency Accounts?

Digital payments to or from Foreign Currency Accounts are not affected. However, you will no longer be able to deposit or withdraw physical foreign cash to or from a Foreign Currency Account after 30 January 2026. To deposit into or withdraw from a Foreign Currency Account, you will need to transfer funds via digital banking to or from a New Zealand dollar account or through an international money transfer.

Will this change impact cash access more broadly?

We recognise that physical cash remains important to many people. Our decision is about optimising our services for how our customers use foreign currency, not reducing access to NZD cash.

I have a large amount of foreign currency notes — what should I do?

Before 30 January 2026, consider converting or depositing your foreign cash at one of our branches while our services are still available. Make sure to bring valid ID and any required documentation.

What happens if I miss the cut-off date?

After 30 January 2026, we will no longer accept foreign cash. If you try to exchange foreign cash at our branches after that date, we will be unable to accept it. You can use specialist foreign exchange providers.

Things you should know.

1Eligibility criteria, lending criteria and conditions of use for the applicable card apply. Fees may apply for overseas cash advances, foreign currency fees and third-party ATM fees. For full details refer to the relevant Card Conditions of Use and the Transaction and Service Fees brochure.

2 Check out the Westpac Global Currency Card for full details, including information about fees and conditions of use. Fees may apply for overseas cash advances, foreign currency fees and third party ATM fees.

3 This offer can’t be combined with other promotions or discounts that Travelex may apply. Travelex is responsible for providing this service, subject to their T&Cs.

Mastercard® is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.