Big 4 banks shut 350 branches across Australia during COVID
Westpac, ANZ, NAB and CommBank have already or plan to close down 350 bank branches between January 2020 and Christmas 2021.
This collective figure comes from a parliamentary committee review of the four major banks, which are cutting back branch networks in response to reduced foot traffic in previously busy areas impacted by the pandemic.
ANZ is leading the closure race with 145 branches shutting up shop, followed by Westpac closing 80 branches, NAB with 72 and Commonwealth Bank with 53. Unlike the other big four contenders, ANZ doesn’t currently hold a contract with Australia Post for its customers to use AusPost offices around the country for their banking needs.
While many customers already do much of their banking online and may not use services at physical branches, some customers could struggle with this shift towards digital banking. This could include people who are not fluent in technology or don’t have easy access to the internet for economic reasons, as well as people with certain disabilities.
What are digital banks?
A digital bank or neobank is an authorised banking institution that operates entirely online, with some relying solely on banking apps. They usually don’t have branches (although some may have physical services centres) and will focus on their customers' online user experience with features like spend tracking, automatic online transfers or payments, and mobile payment options.
RELATED: Dive deeper into how digital technology is changing the way Australians manage their personal finances by tuning into the latest season of Mozo’s podcast, The Finance Burrito.
Accessible online banking features
Accessibility can refer to numerous aspects of banking. In a bank branch, accessible banking might mean having ramps, automatic doors and large text signage installed. For ATMs users, it could include Braille or audio-enable communication at machines, plus bank cards with physical indicators.
Online, it’s often about banks and lenders meeting the current universal design principles for digital services. This generally focuses on making web pages and apps accessible for people with hearing or vision impairments, and is often achieved through features like voice activation and audio capabilities, adjustable text sizes, appropriate colour contrast and Auslan interpreter support.
It also acknowledges that not everybody has the same level of financial literacy or English language skills. Banks are beginning to recognise this and cut back on jargon to make banking more approachable wherever you get policy documents and information (this is often referred to as ‘easy English’).
If you’re not satisfied with your provider's digital offerings or accessibility measures, investigate some of the bank accounts below or get answers to online banking FAQs at our neobank comparison page.
Compare bank accounts
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Exceptional Everyday Account - 2024
Orange Everyday
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, PayTo
0% p.a.
The everyday bank account that could pay you for paying bills. Get 1% cashback on eligible utility bills (up to $100), $0 ING international transaction fees, and up to 5 rebated ATM withdrawals a month here or overseas (T&Cs apply) and no monthly fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^
CompareCompareOrange Everyday
The everyday bank account that could pay you for paying bills. Get 1% cashback on eligible utility bills (up to $100), $0 ING international transaction fees, and up to 5 rebated ATM withdrawals a month here or overseas (T&Cs apply) and no monthly fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, PayTo
- interest rate
- 0% p.a.
- ATM networks
- None
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Access 1% cashback on eligible utility bill payments (up to $100 per financial year), rebates on ATM fees for the first 5 fee incurring withdrawals (domestic). When you deposit at least $1,000 from an external bank account and make at least 5 card purchases using your ING debit card each month.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ING Orange Everyday
-
Everyday Options Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID
0.01% p.a.
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.
CompareCompareEveryday Options Account
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID
- interest rate
- 0.01% p.a.
- ATM networks
- Suncorp
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
Balances from $1: 0.01% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, atmx ATM, Big 4 banks ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Suncorp Everyday Options Account
-
Glide Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay
0% p.a.
Unlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees. Access Any Major Bank & MyState Bank ATM Fee-Free.
CompareCompareGlide Account
Unlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees. Access Any Major Bank & MyState Bank ATM Fee-Free.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay
- interest rate
- 0% p.a.
- ATM networks
- MyState
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free internet transactions.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the MyState Bank Glide Account
-
Everyday Global Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet
0% p.a.
Enjoy $0 monthly account fees and international fees, with no minimum deposit or balance requirements. Buy, hold and spend in 10 currencies (AUD included) and earn 2% cashback for purchases under $100 (T&C’s apply). Mozo's Experts Choice 2024 winner for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
CompareCompareEveryday Global Account
Enjoy $0 monthly account fees and international fees, with no minimum deposit or balance requirements. Buy, hold and spend in 10 currencies (AUD included) and earn 2% cashback for purchases under $100 (T&C’s apply). Mozo's Experts Choice 2024 winner for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet
- interest rate
- 0% p.a.
- ATM networks
- HSBC
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from HSBC ATMs, EFTPOS, phone, internet, BPAY and direct debits
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the HSBC Everyday Global Account
Your selected bank accounts
Your selected bank accounts
Your selected bank accounts
Your selected bank accounts
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Bank Account Awards
Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.
While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.