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 - last updated 2 July 2022
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Everyday Options
account fee
Payment Options
interest rate
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID0.01% p.a.An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. You could get $25 plus Suncorp Bank will donate 25 meals to Oz Harvest. T&C’s Apply.
CompareCompareEveryday Options
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. You could get $25 plus Suncorp Bank will donate 25 meals to Oz Harvest. T&C’s Apply.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, 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 Everyday Options
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Featured Product
Glide Account
account fee
Payment Options
interest rate
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay, FitBit Pay, Garmin0% 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 Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay, FitBit Pay, Garmin
- 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 Glide Account
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Classic Banking Account
account fee
Payment Options
interest rate
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay0.01% p.a.No monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
CompareCompareClassic Banking Account
No monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay
- interest rate
- 0.01% p.a.
- ATM networks
- NAB
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit or
EFTPOS
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.01% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone, internet and Visa debit purchases
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Classic Banking Account
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