Opening a bank account in Australia

Before you start

• A valid passport
• An Australian address (temporary is fine) and an email address

Documents you need

• Original passport for the identity check

  required

• Australian address, even if temporary

  required

• Tax file number, once you have it

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide whether to start before you arrive

   Several large banks let newcomers start an application shortly before arrival and finish the identity check in a branch. For example, as published in October 2026:

   • CommBank lets you open an account up to 14 days before you arrive or within 12 months after arriving; you must show your original passport in a branch within 20 days of opening or the account may close, and you can only deposit money or make purchases once your identity is verified.
   • NAB lets you start online and finish in a branch when you arrive.
   • Westpac lets you open an account no more than 14 days before arrival and asks for your Australian address, even if it is temporary.

   Other banks and credit unions have their own rules; read the conditions on each provider's website. Opening an account in your first days after arrival works just as well.

2. 2

   Step 2: Compare fees and features

   ASIC's Moneysmart suggests looking for low- or no-fee accounts and matching the account to your habits: monthly account-keeping fees, ATM fees (especially for using another bank's ATMs), overdraft fees and international transaction fees all add up. If you receive a government payment or hold a concession card, you may be able to get a basic bank account with no account-keeping or overdraft fees.

3. 3

   Step 3: Verify your identity

   Moneysmart explains that banks must follow laws to check who you are and your ID, and that each bank has its own way of doing this. As a newcomer you usually show your original passport in a branch; ask your bank what it accepts.

4. 4

   Step 4: Give the bank your TFN

   Once your tax file number arrives, add it to your accounts. Without it the bank must withhold more tax from the interest it pays you. See Getting a tax file number.

5. 5

   Step 5: Set up your account for daily life

   Give your BSB and account number to your employer, use your debit card for everyday payments, and set up a low-balance alert so automatic payments (such as rent or phone bills) do not overdraw your account. Most debit cards allow contactless ("tap and go") payments; transactions under $200 usually do not need a PIN.

Sending money overseas

Keeping your account open when you leave

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Choosing an account with a monthly fee you could avoid.
• Missing the branch identity check deadline after opening an account online before arrival.
• Not giving the bank your TFN, so tax is withheld from your interest.

Tips

• Ask about fee-free ATMs near your home and work.
• Keep your overseas account open for the first months, until your Australian salary arrives.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Open an Australian bank accountAdd to plan
• Know how to claim your super if you leave AustraliaAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 5 Feb 2027.