Moving to Australia? Here’s how to set up an Aussie bank account

By Maria Gil · · 2 min read
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If you’re looking to move Down Under chances are that you’ll need to open an Australian bank account.

Typically Australian banks don’t require much when opening a new account and most of the time you can do it online. However, if you’re overseas or don’t have an official Australian address it might be more difficult.

Take it from me as someone who immigrated to Australia and struggled to find the right bank.

Opening a bank account while overseas

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Believe it or not, you can open an Australian bank account while still living overseas. However, you’ll need to show proof of your visa, where you’re planning on living and your passport.

Some banks that allow you to do this are:

  • Wise Account.

    Wise (formerly TransferWise) is an international money transfer provider that also offers a banking option. You could get its Wise Debit Card and use it to hold multiple currencies as you settle into your Australian life.

    Keep in mind that the card takes about 7-14 days to be delivered so plan accordingly.

    Opening a bank account in Australia

black woman with curly hair in an airport looking for a bank

If you’re in Australia, then one of the easiest ways to open an account is by popping into a local branch. 

Keep in mind that you need to show proof of residency i.e. valid visa (student, working holiday, partnership etc.), picture ID (ideally your passport), and provide an Australian address. Some banks might ask for two forms of IDs and a TFN. So be sure to double check the requirements before you go open your account.

Note: Americans opening an Australian bank account need to declare it in the FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) when filing US taxes annually. If you have less than the equivalent of 10,000 USD in the account, you might not need to file the FBAR. However, be sure to check with an accountant first, so you don’t run the risk of being fined.

Choosing a bank account

If you need help picking your next bank account check out the Mozo Expert Choice Award^ winners for banking to see are crowned as cream of the crop in our database. Alternatively, you can start comparing bank accounts below.

Bank account comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 168 bank accounts.
Last updated 17 June 2025 Important disclosures
  • Everyday Account

    $0.00

    Apple Pay, Google wallet

    0% p.a.

    In addition to $0 monthly account-keeping fees and 24/7 real human support, you can turn your everyday banking into Qantas Points. Link your Qantas Frequent Flyer account to your AMP Bank GO Everyday Account, in AMP Bank GO and earn 1 point for every $10 on your average monthly balance. T&Cs apply.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Everyday Edge Account

    $0.00

    Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay

    0% p.a.

    This bank account has no account keeping fees to pay. There are unlimited fee-free domestic transactions. Safe and secure digital banking. Fee-free card purchases and cash-out transactions in-store. Free access to thousands of ATMs nationwide. For customers 18 or over.

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  • Orange Everyday

    $0.00

    Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, PayTo

    0% p.a.

    ING’s Orange Everyday bank account offers no monthly fees and 1% cashback on eligible utility bills up to $100 (T&Cs apply). Experts Choice Awards Highly Commended Everyday & Savings Bank 2025^

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  • Choice

    $5.00

    Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay, Digital Card

    0% p.a.

    Enjoy no monthly account-keeping fees for the first 12 months, for deposits of $2,000 a month or for eligible customers. No withdrawal fees at branded and select non-branded ATMs. No international transfer fees when sending foreign currency overseas via Online Banking or the Westpac App. Unlimited free transactions and account enquiries.

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  • Everyday Options Account

    $0.00

    Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID

    0.01% p.a.

    Enjoy 0% foreign currency conversion fees on Visa Debit card purchases. Plus make an eligible purchase using your linked Visa Debit card to earn cashback at participating merchants. $0 monthly account keeping fees & the option to open up to 9 sub-accounts. Suncorp Bank (Norfina Limited ABN 66 010 831 722 AFSL 229882 Australian Credit Licence 229882). The SUNCORP brand and Sun Logo are used by Suncorp Bank (Norfina Limited) under licence and Suncorp Bank is not part of the Suncorp Group.

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^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.

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