Yes, you can open a bank account in Australia, but the process and your options depend on whether you are a resident, a temporary visa holder, or a visitor
Australian banks will open accounts for most people, but they have different rules for different visa types. If you are a permanent resident or Australian citizen, the process is straightforward — you walk into a branch or explore online with your ID and proof of address. If you are on a temporary visa (student, work, partner), you can open an account, but you will need to show your visa documentation and may face limits on which banks accept you. If you are a visitor on a tourist visa, your options narrow significantly — some banks will not open accounts for people who are not staying long-term, though a few will if you have an Australian address or employer.
The real barrier is not whether banks can open an account for you. It is whether they will, given their anti-money-laundering rules. Every bank must verify your identity and your source of funds before they let you deposit money. This takes longer for people without an Australian tax file number or credit history.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent residents and Australian citizens can open accounts online or in branch with a passport or driver's license and proof of address.
- Temporary visa holders (student, work, partner visas) can open accounts at most major banks, but you will need to bring your visa grant letter or passport with visa stamp.
- Tourist visa holders face rejection from most banks unless you have an Australian address or a job offer; some smaller banks or online-only banks may accept you.
- All banks require identity verification and proof of address, which takes longer if you have just arrived and have no Australian utility bills or lease.
- Opening an account online is faster than in-branch if the bank accepts your visa type, but you may still need to visit a branch to complete identity checks in person.
What you need to bring: documents for each visa type
The documents you need depend on your visa status. For permanent residents and citizens, bring a valid passport or Australian driver's license, and proof of your current address — a utility bill, rental agreement, or council rates notice dated within the last three months. If you do not have an Australian address yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or a temporary accommodation booking.
For temporary visa holders (student, skilled migration, partner, or working holiday visas), bring your passport with the visa stamp or grant letter, proof of address, and ideally a tax file number process form or confirmation that you have applied for one. Some banks will ask for your visa grant letter specifically — this is the official document from the Department of Home Affairs that shows your visa type and conditions. If you do not have it, ask the bank whether they will accept a copy from your ImmiAccount (the online portal where you manage your visa).
For tourist visa holders, the process is harder. You will need a passport, proof of address (which is the sticking point — hotels and Airbnb bookings sometimes work, but not always), and ideally a letter from an Australian employer or institution. Some banks will not open accounts for people on tourist visas at all, regardless of documents.
Which banks will accept you based on your visa type
The four major banks — Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB — all accept permanent residents and citizens without issue. They also accept most temporary visa holders, though processing takes longer. You can start the process online, but you will likely need to visit a branch to complete identity verification in person.
For temporary visa holders, smaller banks and online-only banks sometimes move faster. Macquarie Bank, ING, and Up Bank accept students and skilled workers and have fewer in-person requirements. However, they may not offer the same range of services as the major banks — for example, some online banks do not offer overdrafts or business accounts.
Tourist visa holders have the narrowest options. Most major banks will decline you. Some smaller banks and credit unions may open accounts if you have an Australian address or employer, but you should call ahead rather than explore online and facing rejection. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and other fintech services offer multi-currency accounts that do not require an Australian address, though these are designed for transfers rather than everyday banking.
The identity verification process and how long it takes
Australian banks use a system called IDEMIA or similar third-party verification services to check your identity against government records. For residents with an Australian driver's license or passport, this is when ready — the bank scans your ID and the system confirms it matches the government database. For people without an Australian ID, the process is slower.
If you are on a temporary visa and explore online, the bank will ask you to upload a photo of your passport and visa page. The verification service then checks this against the Department of Home Affairs records. This can take one to five business days. Some banks will ask you to visit a branch in person to speed this up — a staff member will sight your original passport and visa, and verification happens on the spot.
Tourist visa holders often get stuck here. If the verification service cannot match your passport to any Australian government record (because you have no tax file number, no visa grant letter on file, and no prior Australian address), the bank may decline the process. This is why calling the bank first is important — they can tell you whether your visa type is even possible before you spend time uploading documents.
Proof of address: what works and what does not
Banks need proof that you actually live at the address you give them. For people who have been in Australia for months, this is straightforward — bring a utility bill, rental agreement, or council rates notice. For people who just arrived, it is harder.
What works: a rental agreement or lease signed by you and your landlord, a utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet) in your name dated within three months, a council rates notice, a mortgage statement, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your address. Some banks will accept a letter from your accommodation provider (university halls, hostel, or Airbnb host) if it is on official letterhead and dated.
What does not work: a hotel booking confirmation, a postcard from a friend saying you live there, a screenshot of a rental listing, or a letter you wrote yourself. Banks need a document issued by a third party that shows your name and address.
If you have just arrived and have no proof of address yet, ask your bank whether they will accept a letter from your employer, your university, or your accommodation provider. Some will; some will not. If they will not, you may need to wait until you have a utility bill or lease in your name — this typically takes two to four weeks after you move in.
Tax file number: do you need one before opening an account
You do not need a tax file number to open a bank account, but banks will ask for one or ask whether you have applied for one. If you are working in Australia, you need a tax file number — your employer will ask for it, and the bank may ask for it too.
If you are a student or on a temporary visa and not working, you do not need a tax file number to open an account. However, if you plan to work, explore for one as soon as you arrive. You can do this online through the Australian Taxation Office website, and it takes about two weeks. Once you have the number, give it to your bank — they will update your account details.
If you are a tourist or on a very short-term visa, you will not be able to get a tax file number, and most banks will not open accounts for you anyway. This is one reason why tourist visa holders face rejection.
Online versus in-branch: which is faster for you
Online applications are faster if the bank accepts your visa type and you have all documents ready. You can explore in five minutes, upload your ID and proof of address, and get approval within one to three business days. However, some banks will still ask you to visit a branch to complete identity verification in person, which adds another step.
In-branch applications take longer on the day — you will spend 20 to 40 minutes with a staff member — but identity verification happens when ready, and you walk out with a debit card. This is often faster overall if you are on a temporary visa or have unusual circumstances, because the staff member can see your original documents and answer questions on the spot.
For temporary visa holders, the hybrid approach often works best: explore online first, and if the bank asks you to visit a branch, do so within a few days. This gives the bank time to start the verification process while you arrange a branch visit.
What happens after your account is open
Once your account is open, you can deposit money, set up direct debits, and use your debit card when ready. Your debit card arrives by post within five to ten business days. If you need a card sooner, some branches will issue a temporary card on the day you open the account.
If you are on a temporary visa, your account will remain open as long as your visa is valid. When your visa expires, the bank may freeze your account or ask you to close it — this depends on the bank's policy. If you are planning to stay longer, explore for a new visa before your current one expires, and tell your bank about the change.
If you are a tourist, your account will stay open even after your visa expires, but the bank may contact you to confirm you are still in Australia. If you leave Australia, you can keep the account open and use it for transfers, but you will not be able to use the debit card in Australia anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account online if I am on a student visa?
Yes, most banks accept student visa holders online. You will need your passport with the visa stamp or your visa grant letter, proof of address, and ideally a tax file number or confirmation you have applied for one. The process takes five minutes, but verification can take one to five business days. Some banks may ask you to visit a branch in person to complete identity checks.
What if I do not have proof of address yet because I just arrived?
Call your bank and ask what they will accept. Many will take a letter from your employer, university, or accommodation provider on official letterhead. Some will accept a hotel booking or Airbnb confirmation. If the bank will not accept any of these, you may need to wait two to four weeks until you have a utility bill or lease in your name.
Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?
Most major banks will decline you. Some smaller banks or credit unions may open accounts if you have an Australian address or employer, but you should call first. Fintech services like Wise offer multi-currency accounts without an Australian address requirement, though these are designed for transfers rather than everyday banking.
Do I need a tax file number to open a bank account?
No, but the bank will ask for one or ask whether you have applied. If you are working in Australia, you need a tax file number — explore through the Australian Taxation Office website. If you are not working, you do not need one to open an account, though having one makes the process smoother.
How long does it take to get a debit card after I open my account?
Your debit card arrives by post within five to ten business days. Some branches will issue a temporary card on the day you open the account if you need one sooner. You can use your account for transfers and direct debits before the card arrives.