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 626 Finder guides across topics including:
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Hi, I used to work and stay in Australia for some years and I have a TFN, however, I go back to my country for family issues and now thinking to just open an online bank account by using my friend’s home address due to better interest rate, is that alright? Will that be any issues?
MariaOctober 13, 2017
Hi Joey,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
It’s possible that they would look for a document proving your Australian residence such as a letter with the claimed address.
Hello
I intend to visit Australia next year on a ETA visa. As a British subject, am I able to open a bank account either prior to departure or on arrival?
I intend to spend 3 months touring. I will not have a local address as I will be staying in hotels.
Regards
Finder
JudithSeptember 30, 2017Finder
Hi Alan,
Thanks for contacting finder, an Australian comparison website and general information service.
You can open an account online before arriving in Australia, on the phone or in person at the branch once you arrive.
On the same page you’re viewing, you may compare and choose a bank account that would best suit your needs. Then just click the green button “Go to site” to view the details of your preferred bank account.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Judith
BenedetteSeptember 20, 2017
Dear Sir
I’m planning to relocate in 6 months time to Perth, which is the best bank to open my account having in mind I would like to get mortgage for a home.
Regards
Benedette
JonathanSeptember 20, 2017
Hello Benedette,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Choosing your bank would depend hugely on the accessibility, interest rates, and migration services/assistance to offer for you. We recommend that you take time to review the listed banks on this page to get a clearer picture of the services they can provide.
As for the home loans, you can check this comprehensive guide to get you started.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
DeeJuly 19, 2017
Hi. I used to reside in Australia a few years ago and still have an active savings account. I am currently living in New Zealand but plan to move to Australia in a few years time. I would like to put my money into a term deposit. Will I have to pay tax on interest? Thanks.
JonathanAugust 1, 2017
Hello Dee,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Yes, if you are considered an Australian resident for tax purposes, tax will be deducted from your actual interest earnings. Upon account opening, although not required, you will nominate your Tax File Number (TFN) so that the bank can report these to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Without your TFN, the banks would still withhold them.
Hi, i am about to come to Australia and I wish to open a bank account.
At first I would like to transfer 30000 euros.
For now I live and work at Greece.
Will this amount be taxed ?
Finder
HaroldJuly 18, 2017Finder
Hi Paris,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you do not intend to move in and have provided your an address as outside of Australia, you will not have to pay tax on bank account.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
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Hi, I used to work and stay in Australia for some years and I have a TFN, however, I go back to my country for family issues and now thinking to just open an online bank account by using my friend’s home address due to better interest rate, is that alright? Will that be any issues?
Hi Joey,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
It’s possible that they would look for a document proving your Australian residence such as a letter with the claimed address.
You may find useful information on this page for verifying your identity in Australia for a savings account.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Maria
Hello
I intend to visit Australia next year on a ETA visa. As a British subject, am I able to open a bank account either prior to departure or on arrival?
I intend to spend 3 months touring. I will not have a local address as I will be staying in hotels.
Regards
Hi Alan,
Thanks for contacting finder, an Australian comparison website and general information service.
You can open an account online before arriving in Australia, on the phone or in person at the branch once you arrive.
On the same page you’re viewing, you may compare and choose a bank account that would best suit your needs. Then just click the green button “Go to site” to view the details of your preferred bank account.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Judith
Dear Sir
I’m planning to relocate in 6 months time to Perth, which is the best bank to open my account having in mind I would like to get mortgage for a home.
Regards
Benedette
Hello Benedette,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Choosing your bank would depend hugely on the accessibility, interest rates, and migration services/assistance to offer for you. We recommend that you take time to review the listed banks on this page to get a clearer picture of the services they can provide.
As for the home loans, you can check this comprehensive guide to get you started.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi. I used to reside in Australia a few years ago and still have an active savings account. I am currently living in New Zealand but plan to move to Australia in a few years time. I would like to put my money into a term deposit. Will I have to pay tax on interest? Thanks.
Hello Dee,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Yes, if you are considered an Australian resident for tax purposes, tax will be deducted from your actual interest earnings. Upon account opening, although not required, you will nominate your Tax File Number (TFN) so that the bank can report these to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Without your TFN, the banks would still withhold them.
if you’re interested, you can also learn more about how savings accounts are taxed.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi, i am about to come to Australia and I wish to open a bank account.
At first I would like to transfer 30000 euros.
For now I live and work at Greece.
Will this amount be taxed ?
Hi Paris,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you do not intend to move in and have provided your an address as outside of Australia, you will not have to pay tax on bank account.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold