Why Cairns Bank?

At Cairns Bank, we're local, helpful and 100% customer-owned. It's the way banking should be.

Local

Getting to know you is what we’re all about.  We take the time to meet with you in person to build a picture of what you need from our banking services.

Helpful

All our products are easy to understand and we’re even easier to deal with.  Our focus is on simple solutions that are just right for your situation.

Customer-owned

We’re 100% customer owned.  That means our purpose is serving our local Cairns community, not driving profits for shareholders.

Our Story

Cairns Bank has been around for over 125 years. In fact, we first opened our doors in April 1899. It all started, when a group of like-minded individuals got together to establish the Cairns Weekly Penny Savings Bank, as there was a need for a local financial institution in the Cairns area.

Over the years we have had a few name changes, from the Cairns Cooperative Weekly Penny Savings Bank to the Cairns Penny bank, and finally Cairns Bank. No matter our name, the founding principles of providing great local and helpful service, where you’re more than just a number, still underpins who we are today. We will always strive to put you first.

Learn more about our history.

Our Values

At Cairns Bank, we aim to provide a local banking solution tailored to each member’s needs.

Loyalty

Value matters for every customer. We make sure our decisions add up for all our members - new and existing.

Personal Service

Being small and local, we go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. We deliver products and services with your needs front and centre.

Passion

Our culture drives a customer service experience that sets the standard in banking. We're determined to make our customers so happy they'll recommend us to family and friends.

Ethics

We put people before profits and never shy away from doing the right thing - even when it's not the easiest path to take.

Customer-owned banking

We’re 100% customer owned. So, when you become a Cairns Bank customer, you also become an owner. We don’t have external shareholders, who we have to pay dividends to. This means we can pass profits back to you, in the form of great service and competitive products. We are run purely to meet your needs.

What our customers think

RBI Alliance

Cairns Bank is committed to keeping face-to-face banking thriving in our community. As part of the Regional Banking Investment Alliance, we’re working alongside 20 other regional banks and supporters to protect the future of local banking services across Australia.

Why it matters:

  • We’re advocating to keep branches open in regional and rural communities.
  • In-person banking provides critical support for scam prevention, loan advice, and everyday transactions.
  • Local branches mean local knowledge, from local business to helping kids open their first account.
  • We’re there when it matters – through digital outages, natural disasters, and unexpected events.
  • Supporting community organisations, offering job opportunities, and contributing to vibrant community life.

Face-to-face banking isn’t just convenient, it’s essential.  We’re fighting to make sure it stays that way.  Get in touch to learn more about how the Regional Banking Investment Alliance is helping keep regional banking strong.
To find out more about RBI Alliance click here.