What you need to open an account
Australian banks require two forms of identification before they will open an account for you. One must be a photo ID — a driver's licence, passport, or proof of age card. The second can be a different document that shows your name and address: a recent utility bill, lease agreement, council rates notice, or bank statement from another country.
You will also need to provide your Tax File Number (TFN). If you do not have one yet, you can request it from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) before you visit the bank, or some banks will help you explore during the account opening process. Bring your passport when you explore for a TFN — it is the fastest route.
Have your contact details ready: a phone number, email address, and Australian residential address. If you are moving to Australia and do not yet have a permanent address, some banks will accept a temporary one — ask when you call ahead.
Key Takeaways
- You need one photo ID and one document showing your name and address, plus your Tax File Number, before any Australian bank will open an account.
- The four major banks — Commonwealth, Westpac, NAB, and ANZ — have different fees and features, so comparing them before you visit saves time.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch, but the speed and what documents you can submit vary by method.
- If you are not yet an Australian resident, some banks have specific accounts for temporary visa holders and overseas customers.
- The account is usually active within one business day, though transfers from overseas can take five to ten business days to arrive.
Opening an account in a branch versus online
Walking into a branch with your documents is the most straightforward route if you are new to Australia. The staff can check your ID on the spot, answer questions about fees, and set up your card before you leave. Most accounts are ready to use the same day. Bring both forms of ID, your TFN, and proof of your address.
Opening online is faster if you already have an Australian phone number and email. You upload photos of your documents, answer security questions, and the bank verifies you within hours. However, some banks ask you to visit a branch later to confirm your identity in person — check their policy before you start. Online accounts usually take one to two business days to set up.
Phone applications sit between the two: you speak to a staff member who guides you through the questions, but you still need to send documents by post or email. This route is useful if you cannot reach a branch easily, but it is slower than either in-person or fully online.
The four major banks and what sets them apart
Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB (National Australia Bank), and ANZ (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group) are the four largest. All four have branches across the country and offer basic savings and transaction accounts with no monthly fee. The differences lie in their app features, international transfer costs, and whether they charge for overseas card use.
Commonwealth Bank has the most branches and ATMs, which matters if you move around Australia frequently. Westpac and NAB offer slightly lower international transfer fees. ANZ has stronger links to New Zealand if you plan to move between countries. None of these differences is dramatic — the choice often comes down to which branch is closest to you or which app you find easiest to use.
Smaller banks and online-only banks like Macquarie, ING, and Up have lower fees and better interest rates on savings, but fewer physical branches. If you are comfortable using an app and do not need to deposit cash regularly, they are worth comparing. If you need to deposit cash or prefer face-to-face help, stick with one of the four major banks.
Documents to bring and how to prepare them
| Document type | What counts | What you need to check |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID (required) | Australian driver's licence, passport, proof of age card | Must not be expired. Passport does not need to be Australian. |
| Address proof (required) | Utility bill, lease, council rates notice, bank statement | Must show your name and current address. Must be dated within the last three months. |
| Tax File Number | Your TFN notice from the ATO, or your passport if explore for a TFN | If you do not have a TFN yet, bring your passport and the bank can help you explore. |
If you are opening an account online, take clear photos of both sides of your ID and a photo of your address document. Make sure the text is readable and all four corners are visible. Blurry photos will be rejected and slow down the process.
If your address proof is in another language, bring the original and a certified English translation. Your bank can tell you which translators they accept — usually anyone certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
What happens after you open the account
Your account number and BSB (Bank State Branch) code are usually available within hours of opening. You can use these to receive money from employers, government payments, or other sources. Your debit card arrives by post within five to ten business days.
If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw from any branch of your bank using your ID and account number. Some banks let you set up a temporary digital wallet on your phone so you can pay with your phone before the physical card arrives.
International transfers into your Australian account can take five to ten business days, depending on the sending bank and whether they use the SWIFT system. Give your bank details to whoever is sending the money: your account number, BSB code, and bank name. Do not share your PIN or online banking password with anyone.
If you are on a temporary visa or not yet a resident
Most banks will open an account for you on a temporary visa as long as you have a valid passport and proof of address in Australia. Some banks have specific accounts for temporary residents that come with lower fees or simpler requirements.
If you are still overseas and want to open an account before you arrive, a few banks offer this — Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both have online options for overseas customers. You will need your passport and a video call to verify your identity. The account is usually ready when you land.
If you are a New Zealand citizen, you may not need a TFN to open an account, though the bank will ask for one if you plan to earn income in Australia. Check with your chosen bank before you visit.
Fees and what to watch for
Basic transaction and savings accounts at the four major banks have no monthly fee. However, some accounts charge for overseas card use (usually 3% of the transaction), international transfers (typically $10 to $30), or ATM withdrawals outside your bank's network.
Online-only banks often have lower or no fees for international use, which matters if you plan to send money home regularly. Read the fee schedule before you open the account — it is usually on the bank's website under "Fees and Charges" or "Account Terms".
Ask about interest rates on savings accounts. The major banks offer very low rates (often under 1%), while some smaller banks and online banks offer 4% to 5% on savings accounts with conditions like a monthly deposit or no withdrawals. If you plan to save money while you are in Australia, this difference adds up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I do not have an Australian address yet?
Yes. Most banks accept a temporary address — a hostel, hotel, or friend's address — as long as you can show a document with that address on it. Once you move to a permanent address, you can update it online or by visiting a branch.
What if my passport is the only ID I have?
Your passport counts as photo ID. For the second document, bring a utility bill, lease, or any official letter addressed to you at your Australian address. If you have just arrived and do not have any of these yet, ask the bank what temporary documents they accept — some will take a hostel booking confirmation or a letter from your employer.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Five to ten business days by standard post. Some banks offer express delivery for a small fee. In the meantime, you can withdraw cash from any branch using your ID and account number, or set up a digital wallet on your phone to pay at shops.
Do I need a Tax File Number before I open an account?
No. You can open the account without one and explore for a TFN later, or the bank can help you explore during the account opening process. However, you will need a TFN before you start work in Australia, so it is worth getting one early.
Can I open an account if I am still overseas?
Some banks offer this — Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both have online options for overseas customers. You will need your passport and a video call to verify your identity. Other banks require you to visit a branch in person after you arrive in Australia.