Moving to Australia? Here’s how to set up an Aussie bank account
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
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
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
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Everyday Options Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, 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.
CompareCompareEveryday Options Account
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.
- 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 reviews and learn more about Suncorp bank accounts
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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 reviews and learn more about MyState Bank bank accounts
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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 reviews and learn more about ING bank accounts
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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 reviews and learn more about HSBC bank accounts
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Everyday Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay
0% p.a.
Enjoy an all in one transaction account with no monthly service fee designed to help you easily manage your money. Link to your Bendigo Bank home loan to offset your monthly interest. Unlimited internet and app banking transfers, and Bendigo Bank ATM withdrawals. Unlimited EFTPOS withdrawals and retail purchases within Australia
CompareCompareEveryday Account
Enjoy an all in one transaction account with no monthly service fee designed to help you easily manage your money. Link to your Bendigo Bank home loan to offset your monthly interest. Unlimited internet and app banking transfers, and Bendigo Bank ATM withdrawals. Unlimited EFTPOS withdrawals and retail purchases within Australia
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay
- interest rate
- 0% p.a.
- ATM networks
- Bendigo Bank
- What kind of card?
- Debit Mastercard
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, EFTPOS, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read reviews and learn more about Bendigo Bank bank accounts
Your selected bank accounts
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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Bank Account Awards
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