Yes, you can open a Commonwealth Bank account online, but the process depends on which type of account you want and whether you're a new customer or existing customer

Commonwealth Bank (CBA) lets you open most everyday accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have the right documents ready. However, some account types—particularly investment or business accounts—still require a visit to a branch or a phone call to complete.

The main requirement is that you must be an Australian resident aged 18 or over, have a valid Australian driver's license or passport, and provide a residential address. If you're opening an account as an existing CBA customer, the process is faster because the bank already has your identity verified.

Key Takeaways

  • Commonwealth Bank lets you open a basic savings or transaction account online using their website or mobile app, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • You need a valid Australian driver's license or passport, proof of your residential address, and to be aged 18 or over to open an account online.
  • If you're an existing CBA customer, opening a second account online is faster because your identity is already verified in their system.
  • Some account types, including business accounts and investment accounts, cannot be opened online and require a branch visit or phone appointment.
  • Commonwealth Bank will send your debit card by post, which typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days after your account is opened.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin the online process. You'll need a valid Australian driver's license or passport—this is your primary identity document and the bank will scan or photograph it during setup. You also need proof of your current residential address, which can be a recent utility bill, council rates notice, or lease agreement dated within the last three months.

Have your Tax File Number (TFN) ready if you have one. If you don't have a TFN yet, you can still open an account, but you'll need to provide it within 28 days. You'll also need a mobile phone number and email address that you actively use, because Commonwealth Bank will send verification codes to both during the setup process.

The online account opening process

Go to the Commonwealth Bank website or read the CBA app and select "Open an account" from the homepage. You'll be asked to choose which type of account you want—most people choose the Everyday Account, which is a basic transaction account with no monthly fees. The app will then ask you to confirm your personal details: full name, date of birth, residential address, and phone number.

Next, you'll photograph or upload your driver's license or passport. The bank uses automated identity verification, which means the system checks your document against government records in real time. This usually takes less than a minute. You'll then receive a one-time code by SMS to verify your phone number, and another code to your email address.

Once both codes are verified, the bank will ask you to set up your online banking login details—a username and password—and choose your security settings. Some accounts require you to set up a PIN or biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) before you can access your account. The entire process is complete once you see a confirmation screen with your new account number.

Account types you can and cannot open online

Commonwealth Bank lets you open these accounts entirely online: Everyday Account (basic transaction account), Savings Account, and NetBank Saver (a savings account with higher interest rates). If you're an existing customer, you can also open additional accounts of these types online without any extra verification.

You cannot open these accounts online: Business accounts (sole trader, partnership, or company accounts), investment accounts, home loans, and credit cards. For business accounts, you'll need to visit a branch with your business registration documents or call the business banking team on 1300 361 593. For investment accounts, you can start the process online but will need to complete it over the phone with a Commonwealth Bank representative.

When your account is ready to use

Your account is active when ready after you complete the online process, and you can see your account number on the confirmation screen. However, you won't be able to use your account for transactions until you've set up a payment method. If you're transferring money from another bank, you can do this right away using your new CBA account number and BSB (which the bank provides on screen).

Your physical debit card will arrive by post within 5 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and BSB to receive payments, and you can set up digital wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) through the CBA app when ready. This means you can make contactless payments at shops before your physical card arrives.

What happens if online verification fails

If the automated identity check rejects your driver's license or passport—usually because the photo is unclear, the document is damaged, or the details don't match government records—you'll see an error message on screen. The system will offer you the option to try again with a clearer photo, or to visit a Commonwealth Bank branch in person to complete the process manually.

If you choose to visit a branch, bring your original driver's license or passport and proof of address. A staff member will verify your identity by hand and complete your account setup on the spot. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You can find your nearest branch and book an appointment through the Commonwealth Bank website.

Existing customers opening a second account

If you already have a Commonwealth Bank account, opening a second account online is simpler because the bank has already verified your identity. You won't need to upload documents again. Instead, you'll log into your existing online banking, select "Open an account," choose the account type, and confirm your details. The new account will be active within minutes.

This is useful if you want to open a separate savings account to keep money aside, or if you want a second transaction account for a specific purpose. Each account has its own account number and can be managed separately through your online banking dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to visit a branch to open a Commonwealth Bank account?

No, you can open most everyday and savings accounts entirely online using the CBA website or app. A branch visit is only necessary if the online identity verification fails, or if you want to open a business or investment account.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account is active when ready after you complete the steps, though your physical debit card will arrive by post within 5 to 10 business days.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. You can receive money when ready using your account number and BSB, and you can set up digital wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) through the app right away. Your physical card is not needed to use your account.

What if I don't have a Tax File Number?

You can open an account without a TFN, but you must provide one within 28 days. Commonwealth Bank will send you a reminder by email or SMS. If you don't have a TFN, you can explore for one through the Australian Taxation Office website.

Can I open a business account online?

No, business accounts cannot be opened online. You'll need to visit a Commonwealth Bank branch with your business registration documents, or call the business banking team on 1300 361 593 to arrange a phone appointment.