Major Outage Hits Big Four Bank Customers

Customers of the Commonwealth Bank, part of Australia’s major banking group known as the “Big Four,” experienced a significant disruption in internet banking services. This outage, reported last night, led to widespread frustration among users who found themselves unable to access cash or transfer funds.

Details of the Outage

Many customers took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, highlighting their inability to manage transactions. One customer lamented, “Since last night my accounts have been stuffed and I can’t pay anything.”

The Commonwealth Bank confirmed the issues affecting its online platforms, stating that both CommBank and NetBank were “unavailable for some customers.” The bank assured users that it was working urgently to resolve the problem.

Bank Response and Service Status

In its official communication, the bank clarified that while online services were disrupted, all other banking options remained functional. “All other CommBank banking services, including card payments and ATMs, are working,” the statement read. The bank also issued an apology and expressed gratitude for customer patience.

By 2:06 PM, a spokesperson announced that the issues had been resolved. However, this incident sparked further criticism online, particularly from users who noted recent closures of many physical branches in favor of digital banking services.

Customer Reactions and Historical Context

• In 2024, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) closed its last 45 metropolitan branches.
• 15 remaining regional branches were rebranded to CommBank.
• Customers reacted with comments like “cash is king” and emphasized a preference for cash withdrawals.

The incident has reignited the conversation about the reliability of online banking systems. Many users pointed out the benefits of having cash on hand, with one remarking, “CASH DOESN’T CRASH !!!” Another user suggested reverting to offline banking due to the persistent issues faced in digital solutions over the past 30 years.

The outage highlights the ongoing challenges that major banks face as they transition to predominantly digital services while maintaining customer confidence and satisfaction.