Book up

Book up is another way to pay for items you have bought – often in remote and regional communities.

How book up works

Book up is also called 'book down', 'on the tick', 'on the slate', 'running a tab' or 'tiki'.

A business lets you take something you have bought (i.e. goods or services) and pay for them later. The store should keep records of what you buy and how much you owe. They might charge a fee or charge more for goods that are booked up, and some do not.

Book up is often common in remote and regional communities. It can be a helpful way of managing money between pay days.

Ask questions before you book up as each business can have different rules. For example, some businesses want to hold onto your card or bank details as a condition of book up and some set a maximum book up limit.

How to book up safely

✅Set a limit. Decide how much you can afford to repay on your book up and set a limit.

✅ Check the rules. Understand how much and when you have to pay it back. Ask the store owner to write it down for you so you have a record. You can also keep your own record.

✅ Limit who can use your book up. Talk to the shop about who can use your book up account or if others can’t use it.

✅ Protect your details. Be careful if the business asks for your bank details. They can use this to take money out of your account without your permission and your bank can’t help you get money back if you have shared your banking information.

✅ Keep track. Keep your receipts and check your bank statements. Make sure no extra money is being taken out. If you think something is wrong, ask your bank for help.

Get help with book up

If you get into a lot of debt using book up, talk to a financial counsellor or financial capability worker.

If you think a business has taken too much money from your account, contact your bank and the police straight away. If you need more help, contact your local legal service, or ASIC's Indigenous Help Line on 1300 365 957.

Book up guide for stores and traders

There are rules about how stores and traders can offer book up. If you are offering book up to customers, find out more about your obligations, licensing and the laws that affect you.