If you're a student looking to open a bank account with a major bank, the Westpac Choice Student is definitely one worth considering. It comes with unlimited free transactions online, over the phone, in branch and via BPAY or EFTPOS, overseas ATM access and all with a $0 account fee. Although, if you do decide to withdraw money overseas, you’ll be hit with a $5 ATM fee and 3% foreign exchange commission.
As a student, you might not have thought too much about what bank account you have and may just be using the same account you were set up with as a kid. If this is the case, then it’s likely that you have a regular adult bank account, rather than a student account with no account fees, such as the Westpac Choice Student account which has zero ongoing account fees, as long as you’re a card-carrying full-time student.
The account also comes with unlimited, free transactions via the internet, phone, ATM, in branch and bunch of other ways, letting you bank in the ways that are best for you. And if you're a keen bean for digital payment options, this account has them, as you can use Google Pay, PayID or Samsung Pay.
And if you’ve got an overseas trip planned, while you can use your card overseas, but by doing so it will leave you paying a 3% foreign exchange commission extra on any transaction, on top of a $5 ATM fee.
Also don’t worry about having a lump sum saved up already when opening the account, as you only need $1 to open an account.
This account is suited to full-time students looking for a fee-free account with a major bank.
For any students on exchange or holiday, keep in mind that while there is the option for withdrawing money from overseas ATMs using your debit card, it comes with a $5 ATM fee and a 3% foreign exchange commission.
|
Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a. |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
n/a |
|
$0.00 |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
Unlimited free transactions from internet, phone, network ATMs, EFTPOS, BPAY, branch deposits and withdrawals, and cheque. |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
Westpac, St.George, BankSA, Bank of Melbourne |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$5.00 |
|
|
3.00% |
|
|
$0.00 monthly |
|
$0.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
$1,000.00 |
|
|
no |
|
|
yes |
|
|
no |
|
|
yes |
|
|
yes |
|
|
yes |
|
|
no |
|
|
Must be a full-time student. Must show valid student card at the beginning of each year to waive monthly fees. |
|
|
none |
|
|
|
|
none |
|
|
none |
|
|
none |
|
|
|
|
$5.00 |
|
|
$0.00 |
|
|
3.00% |
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay
Westpac is a trustworthy bank. They assisted me very well when I was overseas and lost my debit card. The app is very easy to use. Westpac is my favourite bank to bank with. I have other accounts with other banks but I always choose and trust Westpac.
Read full reviewWestpac is a trustworthy bank. They assisted me very well when I was overseas and lost my debit card. The app is very easy to use. Westpac is my favourite bank to bank with. I have other accounts with other banks but I always choose and trust Westpac.
I guess not so bad.
Read full reviewI guess not so bad.
I'm a second-year nursing student who chose Westpac's Choice Student account, expecting some financial relief. However, my experience has been a mixed bag, meriting a mere 5 out of 10 rating. The interest rates on this account are disappointingly low. They don't do much for a student trying to save up. Then there are the fees—transaction fees and monthly fees—that nibble away at my limited funds. For a student account, I expected more understanding of tight budgets. Westpac's customer service has been a major pain point. As a nursing student with hardly any spare time, waiting over an hour on hold only to be met with unhelpful responses is infuriating. Let's get personal. I've got two pets, a cat and a dog, which means vet bills. Then there's my partner and housemates, all banking with different institutions, and somehow, they seem to fare better with their student accounts—fewer fees, more perks, and actually helpful customer service. It's a stark contrast to my own banking woes with Westpac. For instance, when we all pooled money for a joint gift, my account's transaction fee was an unwelcome surprise that no one else had. Or when we compared our banking apps, mine was the only one that glitched out, adding stress during exam week. In fairness, Westpac's Choice Student account isn't all bad. The process of opening an account was simple and the online banking interface is user-friendly. But as a busy nursing student, I need a bank that fully supports my lifestyle and budget. This account has fallen short of that, and while it's not the worst, it certainly isn't the best fit for someone in my position.
Read full reviewI'm a second-year nursing student who chose Westpac's Choice Student account, expecting some financial relief. However, my experience has been a mixed bag, meriting a mere 5 out of 10 rating. The interest rates on this account are disappointingly low. They don't do much for a student trying to save up. Then there are the fees—transaction fees and monthly fees—that nibble away at my limited funds. For a student account, I expected more understanding of tight budgets. Westpac's customer service has been a major pain point. As a nursing student with hardly any spare time, waiting over an hour on hold only to be met with unhelpful responses is infuriating. Let's get personal. I've got two pets, a cat and a dog, which means vet bills. Then there's my partner and housemates, all banking with different institutions, and somehow, they seem to fare better with their student accounts—fewer fees, more perks, and actually helpful customer service. It's a stark contrast to my own banking woes with Westpac. For instance, when we all pooled money for a joint gift, my account's transaction fee was an unwelcome surprise that no one else had. Or when we compared our banking apps, mine was the only one that glitched out, adding stress during exam week. In fairness, Westpac's Choice Student account isn't all bad. The process of opening an account was simple and the online banking interface is user-friendly. But as a busy nursing student, I need a bank that fully supports my lifestyle and budget. This account has fallen short of that, and while it's not the worst, it certainly isn't the best fit for someone in my position.
Personally I only get %2 interest even tho I qualify for the bonus interest of %4 so I would recommend but check the interest before u make an account
Read full reviewPersonally I only get %2 interest even tho I qualify for the bonus interest of %4 so I would recommend but check the interest before u make an account
As an 18-year-old who recently opened their first bank account with Westpac's Student Choice account, I have both positive and negative experiences to share. Let's start with the positives. Firstly, the process of opening the account was incredibly easy and straightforward. The staff at my local branch were friendly and helpful, guiding me through the necessary steps and answering all my questions. Additionally, the account itself has no monthly account fees, making it an affordable option for students like myself. The online banking platform is also user-friendly and allows me to easily manage my account and track my spending. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects to this bank that I have noticed. One of the main drawbacks is the lack of interest earned on the account balance. While this may not be a major concern for students who are just starting out, it is something to keep in mind for the future. Another issue I have encountered is the limited accessibility of Westpac's ATMs, which can be inconvenient at times. Overall, my experience with Westpac's Student Choice account has been positive. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before opening an account with this bank. The lack of interest earned on the account balance may not be a concern for students, but it is worth considering for the future. Additionally, the limited accessibility of Westpac's ATMs can be inconvenient if you don't live near one. In summary, I would recommend Westpac's Student Choice account to other students who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use bank account. However, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before making a final decision.
Read full reviewAs an 18-year-old who recently opened their first bank account with Westpac's Student Choice account, I have both positive and negative experiences to share. Let's start with the positives. Firstly, the process of opening the account was incredibly easy and straightforward. The staff at my local branch were friendly and helpful, guiding me through the necessary steps and answering all my questions. Additionally, the account itself has no monthly account fees, making it an affordable option for students like myself. The online banking platform is also user-friendly and allows me to easily manage my account and track my spending. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects to this bank that I have noticed. One of the main drawbacks is the lack of interest earned on the account balance. While this may not be a major concern for students who are just starting out, it is something to keep in mind for the future. Another issue I have encountered is the limited accessibility of Westpac's ATMs, which can be inconvenient at times. Overall, my experience with Westpac's Student Choice account has been positive. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before opening an account with this bank. The lack of interest earned on the account balance may not be a concern for students, but it is worth considering for the future. Additionally, the limited accessibility of Westpac's ATMs can be inconvenient if you don't live near one. In summary, I would recommend Westpac's Student Choice account to other students who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use bank account. However, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before making a final decision.
Spend Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay
0% p.a.
Glide Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay, FitBit Pay, Garmin
0% p.a.
