Yes, you can open a bank account in Australia, but the requirements depend on whether you are a citizen, permanent resident, or temporary visitor
Australian banks will open accounts for most people, but they need to verify your identity and your right to be in the country. If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the process is straightforward—you walk into a branch or apply online with your passport or driver's license. If you are a temporary visa holder (student, work visa, tourist), you can still open an account, but you will need to prove your visa status and usually provide an Australian address. Some banks are faster than others, and some have stricter rules about which visa types they accept.
The main banks—Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB—all accept non-citizens, though smaller banks and credit unions may have different policies. The process typically takes one to three business days if you apply online, or you can walk out with an account the same day at a branch if you bring the right documents.
Key Takeaways
- Australian citizens and permanent residents need a passport, driver's license, or other government-issued ID to open an account at any major bank.
- Temporary visa holders can open accounts at most banks but must show their visa grant letter or passport with the visa stamped in it, plus proof of an Australian address.
- Online applications take one to three business days; branch applications can be completed the same day if you bring original documents.
- Some banks ask for a Tax File Number (TFN), but you can open an account without one—you will just pay higher interest withholding tax on savings.
- International visitors on tourist visas can open accounts at some banks, but policies vary; call ahead to confirm before visiting a branch.
What documents you need as a citizen or permanent resident
Bring one form of primary ID: a current Australian passport, a state-issued driver's license, or a state ID card. That is usually enough. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents—a birth certificate plus a utility bill, for example—but this takes longer and you may need to visit a branch instead of applying online.
You will also need to provide an address where you currently live. If you just arrived and do not have a lease or utility bill yet, a letter from your employer, a hostel booking confirmation, or a statutory declaration from a friend or family member can work. Banks are flexible here because they know people move.
Have your phone number and email address ready. Most banks will send you a temporary password by SMS or email, and you will need to set up online banking before you can use the account.
What temporary visa holders need to bring
You need your passport with the visa stamped or printed in it, or a visa grant letter from the Department of Home Affairs. If your visa is digital only (which is common for Australian visas), print out the grant letter from your email or download it from the ImmiAccount portal before you go to the bank.
You also need proof of your Australian address. A lease, a utility bill, or a letter from your employer or educational institution works. If you are staying with a friend or family member, ask them for a statutory declaration confirming your address—this is a simple one-page form they sign in front of a witness (usually a lawyer, accountant, or notary public, though some banks accept other witnesses). The bank can usually provide a template.
Some banks ask for a Tax File Number (TFN). If you do not have one yet, you can still open the account—the bank will just withhold tax on interest at the highest rate (47%) until you provide your TFN later. You can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website; it takes about two weeks.
Which banks accept which visa types
The four major banks—Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB—accept most temporary visa holders, including students, skilled workers, and people on working holiday visas. However, some smaller banks and credit unions have restrictions. Macquarie Bank, for example, is stricter about visa types. If you are on a less common visa (such as a visitor stream or a bridging visa), call the bank first to confirm they will accept you.
Tourist visa holders can open accounts at some banks, but not all. Commonwealth Bank and Westpac generally accept tourists, though they may ask more questions about your plans and how long you intend to stay. If you are only in Australia for a few weeks, a travel money card or a prepaid card might be simpler than opening a full bank account.
Credit unions and smaller banks sometimes have lower fees and friendlier policies for non-citizens, but they may not have as many branches or ATMs. If you plan to stay in Australia for more than a few months, a major bank account is usually more convenient.
Online versus in-branch applications
Online applications are faster if you have a digital identity (like myGovID) or if you can upload clear photos of your documents. Most banks can verify your identity this way in one to three business days. You will receive login details by email or SMS, and you can start using the account online immediately—though a physical card usually arrives in five to ten business days.
In-branch applications take longer to process but you walk out with a temporary card or at least a confirmed account number the same day. This is useful if you need to receive money or set up direct deposit right away. Bring original documents (not photocopies) and be prepared to wait 20 to 30 minutes.
Some banks offer a hybrid: you start online and then visit a branch to verify your identity in person. This can be faster than a full in-branch application if the branch is busy.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can receive money via bank transfer, set up direct deposit from an employer, and use your debit card at ATMs and shops. Most banks offer free online banking and a free debit card. Some charge monthly account fees (usually $4 to $15), but many waive fees if you meet conditions like receiving a regular salary or maintaining a minimum balance.
If you are a temporary visa holder, keep your visa grant letter or passport handy. Banks sometimes ask to see it again if you update your address or if your visa is about to expire. If your visa expires and you do not renew it, the bank may freeze your account or ask you to close it, depending on their policy.
Set up online banking and a strong password as soon as you can. This lets you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills without visiting a branch. Most banks also offer a mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account if I do not have an Australian address yet?
Yes. Use the address of your accommodation—a hostel, Airbnb, hotel, or a friend's place. If you do not have anything yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or educational institution confirming your address. You can update your address later once you have a lease or utility bill.
Do I need a Tax File Number to open an account?
No. You can open an account without a TFN. However, the bank will withhold tax on interest at 47% until you provide one. If you plan to stay in Australia for more than a few months, apply for a TFN through the ATO website—it takes about two weeks and is free.
How long does it take to get a debit card?
If you apply online, your card usually arrives in five to ten business days. If you apply in branch, you may receive a temporary card the same day or within a few days. You can often use your account online or via mobile app before the physical card arrives.
What if my visa is about to expire?
Tell your bank before your visa expires. If you are renewing your visa, provide the new grant letter. If you are leaving Australia, you can close the account online or by visiting a branch. If your account is closed and you still have money in it, the bank will send you a check or transfer the funds to another account you provide.
Can I open an account as a tourist?
Some banks accept tourists, but policies vary. Commonwealth Bank and Westpac generally will, though they may ask questions about your stay. If you are only in Australia for a short time, a travel money card or prepaid card is often simpler. Call the bank before visiting to confirm they accept tourist visa holders.