Yes, but the bank will require proof you exist and will move to Australia
You can open an Australian bank account from overseas, but most banks will not let you do it entirely online. The major banks—Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB—all require either a video call with an identity verification specialist or an in-person appointment once you arrive in Australia. Some smaller banks and online-only banks have different rules, but even those typically ask for a residential address in Australia before they will activate your account.
The core issue is that Australian banks must comply with anti-money-laundering laws that require them to verify your identity in real time. A photo of your passport is not enough. You need to prove you are who you say you are, and you need to show that you have a legitimate reason to hold an Australian account—usually a job offer, a visa, or a plan to move there.
If you are moving to Australia on a visa, the easiest path is to open an account after you arrive, in person at a branch. If you need an account before you land, some banks will let you start the process online and complete it via video call, but you will still need to provide an Australian address—often a temporary one like a hostel or a friend's place will do.
Key Takeaways
- Major Australian banks require either a video identity check or an in-person appointment; you cannot complete the process entirely online from overseas.
- You will need to provide an Australian residential address, even if it is temporary, before the bank will activate your account.
- A valid passport and proof of your reason for moving to Australia (visa, job offer, or residency status) are the documents banks ask for most often.
- Opening an account in person after you arrive is faster and simpler than trying to do it remotely.
- Online-only banks and smaller institutions sometimes have different rules, so it is worth checking their specific requirements before you apply.
What the major banks require before they will open your account
Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB all ask for the same core documents: a valid passport, proof of your Australian address, and proof of your identity. The address can be temporary—a hostel booking, an Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from a friend saying you can stay with them. The bank needs to know where to send statements and where you will be living.
They will also ask why you are opening an account. If you have a job offer, bring the letter. If you are on a visa, bring a copy of the visa grant notice. If you are moving for study, bring your university acceptance letter. Banks are required by law to understand the source of money flowing through your account, so they need to know your circumstances.
You will need to provide a phone number they can reach you on and an email address. Some banks will ask for a second form of identification—a driver's license, a state ID card, or a birth certificate—but a passport alone is usually enough if it is current and has at least six months of validity left.
How to start the process from overseas
If you want to begin before you leave your home country, visit the bank's website and look for "open an account" or "international customer" options. Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both have online forms for people moving to Australia. You will fill in your personal details, upload a photo of your passport, and provide your intended Australian address.
The bank will then contact you to schedule a video call with an identity verification officer. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The officer will ask you to hold your passport up to the camera, ask you questions about your personal details, and confirm your Australian address. They may also ask about your employment or the reason you are moving.
After the video call, the bank will send you a confirmation email. Your account will be created, but it may not be fully active until you arrive in Australia and visit a branch or complete additional verification. Some banks will issue a temporary card number you can use online before your physical card arrives.
Why opening an account in person after you arrive is usually faster
If you can wait until you land in Australia, walk into a branch with your passport and proof of address (a lease, a hostel booking, or a utility bill with your name on it). The process takes 20 to 30 minutes, and your account will be active the same day. You will walk out with a debit card or a card number you can use immediately.
In-person verification is faster because the bank officer can see your passport, confirm your identity on the spot, and activate your account without the delays of video calls or email follow-ups. If you are arriving on a working day during business hours, this is the simplest route.
The only catch is that you will need somewhere to receive mail before you open the account. If you do not have a permanent address yet, use your hostel's address, your employer's address, or ask a friend if you can use theirs temporarily. The bank will send your PIN and card to that address, so make sure you can access it.
Online-only banks and smaller institutions with different rules
Some Australian online banks—like Wise, Up, and Macquarie—have different requirements. Wise, for example, will let you open an account from overseas if you have a valid passport and a phone number, and you do not always need an Australian address upfront. However, you will still need to verify your identity through their app or website, and you may not be able to use all features until you provide an Australian address.
Up and Macquarie both require you to be in Australia or to have an Australian address before you open an account. Smaller regional banks vary widely, so check their website or call their customer service line to ask what they need.
Online banks are often faster to set up, but they may not offer the same range of services as the major banks—no physical branches, no cheque books, and sometimes limited international transfer options. If you need to deposit cash or write cheques, a major bank is a safer choice.
What happens if you do not have an Australian address yet
If you are moving to Australia but have not found a place to live, you have a few options. First, book a hostel or Airbnb for your first week or two and use that address. Second, ask your employer if they will let you use their office address temporarily. Third, ask a friend or family member in Australia if you can use their address, and arrange to collect mail from them.
Some banks will accept a temporary address and allow you to update it later once you have a permanent place. Others will not activate your account until you provide a residential address. Call the bank's customer service line before you apply and ask what they will accept—this saves you from filling out forms that will be rejected.
If you are moving for work, your employer may have a relocation service that can help you find temporary housing or provide an address you can use. Ask them before you leave your home country.
Documents you will need to bring or upload
| Document | Why the bank needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Proof of identity and citizenship | Must have at least six months of validity remaining |
| Proof of Australian address | Confirms where you will be living | Lease, hostel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or letter from a friend |
| Visa grant notice or job offer | Explains your reason for moving | Required by law; banks must understand your circumstances |
| Secondary ID (optional) | Additional identity verification | Driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate; not always required |
| Phone number and email | Contact details for the bank | Must be active and reachable; the bank will contact you during verification |
How long it takes from start to usable account
If you open an account online from overseas and complete a video call, the process usually takes three to seven business days. The bank will verify your identity, create your account, and send you a card number or temporary access details. Your physical card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
If you open an account in person after you arrive in Australia, you will have a usable account the same day. You can use your debit card or card number immediately for online purchases and transfers.
The timeline depends on the bank, the time of year, and whether there are any issues with your documents. If the bank cannot verify your identity or has questions about your address, they may contact you to ask for more information, which can add several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Australian Tax File Number to open a bank account?
No. You can open an account with just a passport and proof of address. However, you will need a Tax File Number (TFN) before you start work or if you want to earn interest on savings. You can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office website, and it usually takes two to four weeks to arrive.
Can I open an account if I am on a tourist visa?
Yes, but the bank will ask why you need an account. If you are staying for a short trip, some banks may decline. If you are on a longer tourist visa or planning to extend it, explain that to the bank. Having a job offer or a letter from an employer makes it easier.
What if my passport is expiring soon?
Most banks require at least six months of validity remaining on your passport. If yours is expiring within six months, renew it before you apply. A bank will not open an account with a passport that is about to expire.
Can I use a temporary address if I am staying with a friend?
Yes. Get a letter from your friend on their letterhead saying you are staying at their address, or use a recent utility bill or lease with their name on it. Some banks will accept a hostel or Airbnb booking as proof of temporary address. Call the bank first to ask what they will accept.
What if I move to a different address after I open my account?
You can update your address online through your bank's app or website, or by visiting a branch. Tell the bank as soon as you move so they send statements and cards to the correct place. Updating your address usually takes one to two business days.