Summerland Bank offers our customers an internal dispute resolution procedure that is readily accessible and free of charge.

Outlined below is our dispute resolution process.

Let’s talk about it.

The simplest way of solving a problem is to talk to someone about it.  If you are unhappy about something to do with a product or service, we’d like to hear about it.

Our staff are trained to efficiently and courteously deal with all types of problems.  So don’t hesitate to speak to our staff if something is troubling you.  We’d like to know about anything which affects the relationship you have with us.

Who do you complain to?

The first place you should take any complaint is to a member of our staff.  If at all possible, the problem will be resolved immediately.  However, if our staff member is unable to assist, please speak to a team leader or manager.  Our team leader or manager will try to resolve the matter by the next business day.

You may also make a complaint:

• Call us on 1300 728 728
• Email us at [email protected]

We will usually need your full name, contact details, a short description of your complaint and your desired resolution for us to help you. 

If you need some help, contact us using any of the above channels and we will try to assist you e.g., by connecting you with a translation service.

What happens when you make a complaint?

We aim to acknowledge your complaint within 1 business day.  When we do so, we will also let you know how you can obtain general feedback and progress/status reports of the complaint.

If we are unable to resolve your complaint within 3 days, and if we haven’t already done so, we will give you the name and contact details of the person investigating your complaint, who you will be able to contact for updates.

We will investigate your complaint and contact you if we need more information. 

When we complete our investigation, we will let you know the outcome. 

How your complaint may be resolved will depend on your complaint.

How will you notify me of the outcome?

We will ring or write to you notifying you of the outcome.  If this is not in your favour, we will write to you telling you:

• Reasons for the decision
• Evidence we relied on in reaching our decision
• Consequences of the decision for you
• Further action you can take.

How long will it take?

Frequently, complaints are simple cases of confusion or misunderstanding which can be sorted out to everybody’s satisfaction very quickly.

However, not all complaints can be dealt with quickly.  Our team leader or manager will advise you if he or she is unable to resolve your complaint by the next business day.  Our aim is to have your complaint resolved within 14 days, although in more complex cases (e.g. a complaint about an overseas card transaction) we may need up to 30 days.  If this happens, we will write to you advising of this.

What further options do you have?

If you are not satisfied with the final outcome of your complaint, or if we fail to resolve your complaint within 30 days, you may pursue the matter further with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.  You can submit a complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority:

• At afca.org.au
• Emailing them at [email protected]
• Writing to:
  Australian Financial Complaints Authority Limited
  GPO Box 3
  Melbourne VIC  3001
• Calling them on 1800 931 678