On this page you’ll find an updated list of all the banks, credit unions and building societies that operate in Australia.
A list of every bank operating in Australia
The list above includes different types of Australian banks, but they all serve the same broad function of holding customer deposits, and access to money (savings and credit) via loans, debit cards and credit cards.
Australian-owned banks
Banks provide a wide range of financial products and services to Australian customers, including transaction and savings accounts, home loans, personal loans and credit cards.
In Australia most people bank with one of the Big Four:
But there are so many other banks in Australia. This includes a second or mid-tier of major banks below the Big Four. There are also many smaller banks, some of them entirely digital. These banks are often owned by a larger bank.
Foreign subsidiary banks
A foreign subsidiary bank is a subsidiary of a foreign-owned bank that is incorporated in Australia. These institutions must hold capital locally and must also meet the same prudential standards and undergo the same supervision as Australian-owned banks.
Building societies
A building society is a mutual organisation that is owned by its members and offers a wide range of financial products and services. These organisations tend to be located in rural and regional Australia and they offer deposit accounts, loans and payment services.
Credit unions
Like building societies, credit unions are also owned by their members. Rather than being run to provide profits for shareholders, credit unions are run to benefit members. Credit unions operate right across Australia and offer a wide range of banking and financial products and services.
Which bank should I choose?
While all banks serve the same basic function there are a few ways to decide what kind of bank you're looking for:
- Do you need to visit a local bank branch? Most banking is done online or via phone. But sometimes you need to get cash from an ATM or talk to someone face to face. If this is you, look for a big bank with a branch near where you live. If you live outside a major city you could also look at a local bank or credit union with a branch nearby. You probably don't want an online bank.
- Do you want really convenient online access and a banking app? Some people like to go entirely digital. There are plenty of online banks that don't even have physical branches. Some of them have great apps. But don't count out larger banks either. They often have very well designed apps.
- Read reviews and trust word of mouth. If you hear lots of bad things from customers of one bank, you might want to steer clear. Read reviews and check out the Finder customer satisfaction awards to see which banks have the best customer service.
- Does the bank offer what you need? Look closely at a bank's products. Some banks have different strengths and weaknesses too. If you have bank accounts in multiple countries you could look at a more international bank like HSBC, for example.
Looking for a new bank?
Click on the product or service you're interested in below to view our comparison tables.
Compare bank accounts offered by Australian banks
More guides on Finder
-
Compare transaction accounts to save on ATM and service fees
When you choose a transaction account that has modernised features, you are keeping your money secure yet still in the palm of your hand.
-
Compare transaction accounts to save on ATM and service fees
When you choose a transaction account that has modernised features, you are keeping your money secure yet still in the palm of your hand.
-
PayID: What it is and how can I set one up?
PayID allows you to transfer money in real-time without entering your recipients BSB and account number. Read this guide to learn about the benefits of PayID and how to set it up.
-
Banks with PayID and Osko payments
Does your bank offer real-time payments using Osko and PayID? Find out below.
-
How to transfer money to another bank account
This handy step-by-step guide explains how to transfer money from one Australian bank account to another as quickly as possible.
-
How to open a trust account
Want to open a trust account to provide for your child or grandchild’s financial future? Here’s what you need to know.
-
What happens to my bank account if I die?
What happens to a bank account after someone in Australia dies depends on what their will states. If the person didn't have a will, the money will often go to the next of kin. Here's how it works.
-
9 reasons your debit card may have declined
Debit card declined? Here are 9 of the most common reasons for your debit card declining and how to fix it.
-
New bank account sign up bonuses & offers
Now is the best time to start looking at the new bank account offers and promotions available. There is fierce competition between banks for your business so you should take advantage of this opportunity and get yourself a deal.
-
Compare debit cards
When used wisely, a debit card provides you with great flexibility when it comes to handling your everyday financial needs.
Ask a question