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How to open a bank account in Australia as a non-resident
Opening an Australian bank account as a newly arrived student, worker or temporary resident is simple. But you will need ID plus an Australian address and mobile number.
You don't need to be a citizen or permanent resident to open an Australian bank account. Temporary workers, students and newly arrived migrants can all open bank accounts very easily.
Australian banks will need to see some ID, a residential Australian address and possibly evidence of your visa when you open a bank account. Some banks also require you to visit a branch in person to activate your account.
Getting started: What type of account do you need?
You probably want to open a transaction account first
In Australia, a bank or transaction account is the type of account you use to make daily purchases, pay bills, send and receive money and manage your daily expenses. These accounts come with a debit card for spending.
This is the account you're probably looking for.
You could also open a savings account
A savings account pays you interest on the money in your account. These accounts are for holding money in the long term and earning interest rather than for daily spending.
Because you have to pay tax on the interest you earn, you need an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) to open a savings account.
You can get a TFN from the Australian Tax Office, whether you're a permanent or temporary resident.
How to open a bank account in Australia in 4 steps
Compare banks and choose a bank account. At a minimum, make sure you're eligible to open an account. We've got more tips on how to compare bank accounts below.
Gather your ID documents, visa details, address and phone number. If any of your documents aren't in English then you'll need to bring along translations completed by an accredited translator.
Complete the application. Most banks let you do this online. Some banks require you to visit a bank branch to establish your identity after you arrive. Some banks will only create your account if you visit a branch in person.
Deposit funds into your account and wait for your debit card to arrive in the mail. You can add money to your account via bank or money transfer, or deposit cash at a bank branch or ATM.
How do I add funds to my new Australian bank account?
You can add money to your account in a few ways:
Bank transfer. You can transfer money from an overseas bank. You'll just need your new Australian account number and BSB (this is a six-digit number used to identify Australian banks and branches).
Money transfer. Another option is using a money transfer service. This can work out cheaper than a bank transfer, as money transfers often have better exchange rates.
Deposit cash. You can deposit cash at a local bank branch or even via an ATM.
How to compare Australian bank accounts
If you want to open an Australian bank account as a non-resident, you can start by researching different options online. Here are a few of the main things to consider as a when choosing a bank account:
The fees. Look for an account that charges low or no account keeping fees or ATM fees.
Branch access. If you'll be making regular in-branch transactions (such as depositing foreign cash or cheques), make sure you select a bank with branches in your local area. Some Australian banks are online only with no branches.
International transfers. If you'll need to send money back home, check what the fees are for transferring money internationally, as well as the exchange rates.
Multiple currencies. Some bank accounts let you hold several foreign currencies in the one account, which could be handy if you're going back home regularly and need the local currency there.
Frequently asked questions
You'll need your passport, your visa details (this could include visa details and entry stamps in your passport or a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) check), evidence of your enrolment and student ID if you're a student and your tax identification number if applicable.
The Big Four banks are CommBank, Westpac, NAB and ANZ. These are by far the largest banks in Australia.
Some bank accounts are more suited to students as they have minimal fees and extra features.
Australian banks are very safe, and your deposit up to $250,000 is covered under the government's Financial Claims Scheme.
Alison Banney is the money editorial manager at Finder. She covers all areas of personal finance, and her areas of expertise are superannuation, banking and saving. She has written about finance for 10 years, having previously worked at Westpac and written for several other major banks and super funds. See full bio
Alison's expertise
Alison has written 645 Finder guides across topics including:
Hi,
My sister is applying for a permanent migrant visa and would like to open a bank account in Australia from overseas, with me (Aus resident) as a joint account holder. Do you know if any banks allow this?
Also, she will not be arriving in Australia at least for 12 months due to visa processing times.
Thanks!
Finder
AlisonJanuary 28, 2022Finder
Hi HusB,
Yes, you can open a bank account in Australia before you arrive here. Generally, banks will allow you to open an account up to 12 months before your arrival date. You and your sister will need to apply online and both meet the ID requirements in order to open the account.
Thanks,
Alison
AzzaAugust 9, 2019
Hi,
How many bank accounts I can keep open at the same time?
Finder
JeniAugust 10, 2019Finder
Hi Azza,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You can open as many as you can.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
ElzanneFebruary 27, 2019
As a South African citizen, I would like to open a bank account in Australia, but I will not be living or working there.
I just want ato save place to put myit money.
Is that possible?
Finder
JohnFebruary 28, 2019Finder
Hi Elzanne,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
Opening a bank account with an Australian bank is a simple process given that you’re migrating, studying or working. If you reside in another country and don’t intend to migrate to Australia, you’ll need to speak to a local bank who has international ties with a bank in Australia for you to be able to open an account. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
BerniceAugust 1, 2018
I entered Australia with an EB188 visa when I opened a saving account. I left Australia 4 months later and left the money in my bank account. I need to know how long can I keep the money there while I am abroad.
Finder
JeniAugust 9, 2018Finder
Hi Bernice,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
It is best to contact your bank and check if you still have a balance. Some Australian banks charge an “inactivity fee” if no transaction is made within a month/a certain period – depending on the type of the account. If you still have the balance and your bank states that you are not charged an “inactivity fee”, your money can stay in your bank within 7 years. Your bank account becomes unclaimed after 7 years if the account is inactive (no deposits or withdrawals).
I would also suggest that you contact your bank and close your bank account with or without a balance. This is simply because some banks may charge inactivity fees for not using your account. Others may continue to charge monthly fees on the account, which could put you in debt.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
AgnesJune 6, 2018
I am a non-resident of Australia thinking of opening a bank account in Perth, Australia.
Is that allowed?
NikkiJune 6, 2018
Hi Agnes,
Thanks for getting in touch!
You can open an account online before arriving in Australia, on the phone or in person at the branch once you arrive.
If you do decide to visit a branch, remember to bring valid forms of ID with you. This includes your passport, overseas credit card/student ID and letter addressed to yourself proving Australian residence. For more information, please see our 100 points ID article.
Here are the types of accounts you are eligible for:
Transaction accounts
Also known as a current or cheque account, this option is an everyday account from which to pay bills, send and receive money, and manage your daily expenses.
Savings account
This account pays you interest on the amount you have in your account: the more you have in this account, the more interest you earn. Since these funds are not intended for everyday use, account holders are usually penalised with high fees or loss of interest when withdrawing from this account.
When you’re ready, simply choose the bank on this page above and click the GO TO SITE to get started.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Nikki
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Hi,
My sister is applying for a permanent migrant visa and would like to open a bank account in Australia from overseas, with me (Aus resident) as a joint account holder. Do you know if any banks allow this?
Also, she will not be arriving in Australia at least for 12 months due to visa processing times.
Thanks!
Hi HusB,
Yes, you can open a bank account in Australia before you arrive here. Generally, banks will allow you to open an account up to 12 months before your arrival date. You and your sister will need to apply online and both meet the ID requirements in order to open the account.
Thanks,
Alison
Hi,
How many bank accounts I can keep open at the same time?
Hi Azza,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
You can open as many as you can.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
As a South African citizen, I would like to open a bank account in Australia, but I will not be living or working there.
I just want ato save place to put myit money.
Is that possible?
Hi Elzanne,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
Opening a bank account with an Australian bank is a simple process given that you’re migrating, studying or working. If you reside in another country and don’t intend to migrate to Australia, you’ll need to speak to a local bank who has international ties with a bank in Australia for you to be able to open an account. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I entered Australia with an EB188 visa when I opened a saving account. I left Australia 4 months later and left the money in my bank account. I need to know how long can I keep the money there while I am abroad.
Hi Bernice,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
It is best to contact your bank and check if you still have a balance. Some Australian banks charge an “inactivity fee” if no transaction is made within a month/a certain period – depending on the type of the account. If you still have the balance and your bank states that you are not charged an “inactivity fee”, your money can stay in your bank within 7 years. Your bank account becomes unclaimed after 7 years if the account is inactive (no deposits or withdrawals).
Check out our guide about finding an unclaimed money for more details.
I would also suggest that you contact your bank and close your bank account with or without a balance. This is simply because some banks may charge inactivity fees for not using your account. Others may continue to charge monthly fees on the account, which could put you in debt.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am a non-resident of Australia thinking of opening a bank account in Perth, Australia.
Is that allowed?
Hi Agnes,
Thanks for getting in touch!
You can open an account online before arriving in Australia, on the phone or in person at the branch once you arrive.
If you do decide to visit a branch, remember to bring valid forms of ID with you. This includes your passport, overseas credit card/student ID and letter addressed to yourself proving Australian residence. For more information, please see our 100 points ID article.
Here are the types of accounts you are eligible for:
Transaction accounts
Also known as a current or cheque account, this option is an everyday account from which to pay bills, send and receive money, and manage your daily expenses.
Savings account
This account pays you interest on the amount you have in your account: the more you have in this account, the more interest you earn. Since these funds are not intended for everyday use, account holders are usually penalised with high fees or loss of interest when withdrawing from this account.
When you’re ready, simply choose the bank on this page above and click the GO TO SITE to get started.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Nikki