What you need before you walk into a bank
To open a bank account in Australia, you need proof of identity, proof of address, and a completed application form. Most banks require at least one form of photo ID — a passport, driver's licence, or state-issued ID card — and a recent document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or council rates notice dated within the last three months.
If you're a permanent resident or citizen, the process is straightforward. If you're on a temporary visa, some banks will open an account but may ask for additional documents like your visa grant letter or a letter from your employer. A few banks have restrictions on certain visa types, so it's worth checking their website before you visit.
You'll also need to decide what type of account suits you: a transaction account (for everyday spending), a savings account (for money you want to set aside), or both. Most banks offer these as separate products, though some bundle them together.
Key Takeaways
- You need a photo ID, proof of address dated within three months, and a completed application form to open an account at any Australian bank.
- The four major banks — Commonwealth, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB — process applications on the spot in branch, while smaller banks and online-only banks may take one to five business days.
- If you don't have an Australian address yet, some banks will accept a temporary address or a letter from your employer, but this varies by institution.
- Once your account is open, you can set up direct debits, receive salary payments, and access online banking immediately, though debit cards usually arrive within five to ten business days.
The major banks and how fast they open accounts
The four largest banks in Australia — Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB — all open accounts in branch on the same day. You walk in with your documents, complete the application, and your account is active within an hour. You'll receive a temporary card or card number on the day, and a physical debit card arrives by post within five to ten business days.
Smaller banks like Macquarie, ING, and Bendigo Bank also offer in-branch opening, though wait times vary. Some branches are busier than others, so calling ahead to book an appointment can save you time.
Online-only banks such as Up, Judo Bank, and Volt operate differently. You upload your documents through their app or website, and approval takes one to five business days. You won't meet anyone in person, but the process is faster if you already have a smartphone and a camera to photograph your ID and address proof.
What happens if you don't have an Australian address yet
If you've just arrived and don't have a lease or utility bill, tell the bank. Most will accept a temporary address — a hostel, hotel, or a friend's address where you're staying — as long as you can provide some proof you're there. This might be a booking confirmation, a letter from the person whose address you're using, or a temporary lease agreement.
Some banks will also accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your name, position, and Australian work address. This counts as proof of address for account-opening purposes at many institutions, even if you don't live there.
If you have neither, contact the bank's customer service line before visiting. A few banks have workarounds — Commonwealth Bank, for example, sometimes accepts a letter from a migration agent or a temporary resident's declaration — but policies vary, and it's faster to ask first than to arrive unprepared.
Documents to bring and how to prepare them
Bring originals of your identity and address documents. Banks will not accept photocopies or digital images on your phone for the initial opening, though some online banks do accept scanned uploads. If you're bringing a passport, bring it in person; if you're using a driver's licence, make sure it's current and not expired.
For proof of address, a utility bill (electricity, gas, water) is the strongest option. If you don't have one yet, a lease agreement or tenancy agreement works just as well. Council rates notices, phone bills, and insurance documents are also accepted. The document must show your name, your address, and a date within the last three months.
Fill out the application form before you arrive if the bank offers it online, or arrive early enough to complete it in branch. The form asks for your full name, date of birth, contact details, employment status, and tax file number (TFN). If you don't have a TFN yet, you can still open an account — the bank will note that you're applying for one — but you'll need to provide it within a set timeframe, usually 28 days.
What to expect during the opening process
At a branch, a staff member will check your documents, verify your identity, and ask you questions about the account: whether you want online banking, whether you want a debit card, and what your main use will be. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. They'll then activate your account on the spot and give you your account number and BSB (Bank State Branch) code so you can receive payments immediately.
Your debit card is ordered during the appointment and arrives by post within five to ten business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and BSB to receive salary or transfer money in, and you can set up online banking to transfer money out.
If you're opening an account online, you'll upload photos of your documents through the app, answer security questions, and wait for the bank to verify everything. Once approved, you'll receive your account number by email or SMS, and you can start using the account straight away. A physical debit card still takes five to ten business days to arrive.
Setting up online banking and direct debits
Most banks set up online banking during the account-opening appointment. You'll choose a username and password, and the bank will send you a security code by SMS to activate your login. You can then access your account from any computer or phone to check your balance, transfer money, and set up automatic payments.
Direct debits — automatic payments to bills, subscriptions, or loans — can be set up through online banking or by giving the biller your account details. The biller then requests the payment on the due date, and the money leaves your account automatically. You can cancel or modify a direct debit at any time through your online banking.
If you're receiving salary, ask your employer for the bank's direct deposit details (your account number and BSB). Salary usually arrives on the same day each week or month, depending on your pay cycle. The first payment may take an extra day or two to process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I'm on a temporary visa?
Yes, most banks will open an account for temporary visa holders. You'll need your visa grant letter or a copy of your visa in addition to your passport and proof of address. Some banks have restrictions on certain visa types — working holiday visas are usually fine, but student visas sometimes come with extra requirements — so check the bank's website or call ahead.
What's the difference between a transaction account and a savings account?
A transaction account is for everyday spending: you can withdraw money, pay bills, and receive salary as many times as you want. A savings account is designed for money you want to keep separate and usually earns interest, though you may have limits on how often you can withdraw. Many people open both and use them for different purposes.
Do I need a tax file number to open an account?
No, you can open an account without a TFN, but the bank will ask you to provide one within 28 days. If you're a new resident, you can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office website. The bank can tell you how to provide it once you have it.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Physical debit cards take five to ten business days to arrive by post after your account opens. Some banks offer a temporary card number on the day so you can make online purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs while you wait. Check with your bank about this option.
Can I open an account online if I'm overseas?
Most Australian banks require you to be in Australia to open an account in person. However, some online-only banks and a few smaller banks allow overseas residents to open accounts remotely if they have an Australian address or a visa grant letter. Contact the bank directly to check their policy.