Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
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:
It's common to have a few different bank accounts that each have a different purpose. Here's how you may benefit from having multiple bank accounts and the traps to avoid.
Can you open a bank account in Australia if you have committed and been convicted of armed robbery (of a bank or otherwise)? This question is for Australian citizens/residents as well as foreigners.
NikkiMarch 29, 2018
Hi Rochelle,
Thanks for your message and for contacting finder.
In general, having a negative standing (i.e. a criminal record), a person may lose all sense of personal identity and credibility.
However, not all hope is lost as each case is determined accordingly. So you may direct your concern to the proper authorities on how to go about it.
Please note that we’re a product comparison website and we hold no affiliation with any company we feature on our site. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product / service that is rightfully fit for you.
Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Nikki
CarolFebruary 22, 2018
We will be coming To Australia yearly to visit and world Line To open an account in Melbourne. Our daughter lives there and Will be making monthly deposits for us. Can an account be opened front canada
JoelMarch 10, 2018
Hi Carol,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.
You may refer to our guide that discusses bank accounts for non-residents. On the page is a comparison table you can use to see which account suits you. Simply press the “Go to site” button of your preferred account to be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with your application. If you’re not migrating to the country, you can also consider speaking to a local bank in Canada who has international ties with a bank in Australia.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
Cheers,
Joel
GrantFebruary 4, 2018
I intend to do business in my country with an Australian company. The intention is for the Australian company to pay my commission on deals in my country to me in Australian Dollar. Customers in my country will pay for the services in Australia and I will earn a commission on the profit margin for these deals. I am not resident in Australia but would like to open an Australian bank account to have the money paid into. Am I legally allowed to open a bank account in Australia and have these funds deposited there?
Finder
MayFebruary 23, 2018Finder
Hi Grant,
Thanks for your question.
Typically, yes, a foreigner/non-resident can open a bank account in Australia, however, if you’re not migrating to the country, you would need to speak to a local bank who has international ties with a bank in Australia.
Cheers,
May
LivNovember 14, 2017
Hi, I used to work in Australia under working holiday visa 2 years ago and i’ve come back to my home country, Indonesia. I still have some money in my Australian bank account and also the debit card. And my debit card is about expire in 6 months, and I still want to use it. My question is, can I order a replacement card so I’ll get the new card? I’m not living in Australia anymore so can I use my friend’s address to send it? thank you
LiezlNovember 17, 2017
Hi Liv,
Thanks for reaching out to finder.
Generally, banks will send your replacement card automatically before your card will expire. You don’t have to request for it. They will send this to the address listed in your bank’s record.
Depending on the bank’s procedure, you may request to change your address or have your card delivered overseas. Either way, you’ll need to call the bank’s customer care few months before the expiry date to make this request. Kindly note that most banks won’t accept such request through email due to security reasons.
I hope this information has helped.
Regards,
Liezl
RajNovember 8, 2017
I applied for a visitor visa (sub-class 600) and was granted visa for 1 year (non-working with each stay up to 3 months a time). Can I open a bank account? If so, which banks allow tourists to open account?
MariaNovember 8, 2017
Hi Raj,
Thank you for your inquiry.
This page on savings accounts for expats and residents on a temporary visa may be what you’re looking for as it discusses bank accounts for non-residents. You can press the “Go to site” button of your preferred account to begin your application.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements and to read the details, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/ Terms and Conditions of the option before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Maria
How likely would you be to recommend Finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.
Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Can you open a bank account in Australia if you have committed and been convicted of armed robbery (of a bank or otherwise)? This question is for Australian citizens/residents as well as foreigners.
Hi Rochelle,
Thanks for your message and for contacting finder.
In general, having a negative standing (i.e. a criminal record), a person may lose all sense of personal identity and credibility.
However, not all hope is lost as each case is determined accordingly. So you may direct your concern to the proper authorities on how to go about it.
Please note that we’re a product comparison website and we hold no affiliation with any company we feature on our site. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product / service that is rightfully fit for you.
Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Nikki
We will be coming To Australia yearly to visit and world Line To open an account in Melbourne. Our daughter lives there and Will be making monthly deposits for us. Can an account be opened front canada
Hi Carol,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.
You may refer to our guide that discusses bank accounts for non-residents. On the page is a comparison table you can use to see which account suits you. Simply press the “Go to site” button of your preferred account to be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with your application. If you’re not migrating to the country, you can also consider speaking to a local bank in Canada who has international ties with a bank in Australia.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
Cheers,
Joel
I intend to do business in my country with an Australian company. The intention is for the Australian company to pay my commission on deals in my country to me in Australian Dollar. Customers in my country will pay for the services in Australia and I will earn a commission on the profit margin for these deals. I am not resident in Australia but would like to open an Australian bank account to have the money paid into. Am I legally allowed to open a bank account in Australia and have these funds deposited there?
Hi Grant,
Thanks for your question.
Typically, yes, a foreigner/non-resident can open a bank account in Australia, however, if you’re not migrating to the country, you would need to speak to a local bank who has international ties with a bank in Australia.
Cheers,
May
Hi, I used to work in Australia under working holiday visa 2 years ago and i’ve come back to my home country, Indonesia. I still have some money in my Australian bank account and also the debit card. And my debit card is about expire in 6 months, and I still want to use it. My question is, can I order a replacement card so I’ll get the new card? I’m not living in Australia anymore so can I use my friend’s address to send it? thank you
Hi Liv,
Thanks for reaching out to finder.
Generally, banks will send your replacement card automatically before your card will expire. You don’t have to request for it. They will send this to the address listed in your bank’s record.
Depending on the bank’s procedure, you may request to change your address or have your card delivered overseas. Either way, you’ll need to call the bank’s customer care few months before the expiry date to make this request. Kindly note that most banks won’t accept such request through email due to security reasons.
I hope this information has helped.
Regards,
Liezl
I applied for a visitor visa (sub-class 600) and was granted visa for 1 year (non-working with each stay up to 3 months a time). Can I open a bank account? If so, which banks allow tourists to open account?
Hi Raj,
Thank you for your inquiry.
This page on savings accounts for expats and residents on a temporary visa may be what you’re looking for as it discusses bank accounts for non-residents. You can press the “Go to site” button of your preferred account to begin your application.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements and to read the details, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/ Terms and Conditions of the option before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Maria