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100 points of ID to open a bank account

You can meet the 100 points of ID requirement when opening a bank account by showing your passport, birth certificate or driver's license. If you don't have these, there are a few other things you can use as ID.

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By

Shirley Liu

Updated

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If you're a new customer to any Australian bank or financial institution, you'll have to verify your identity with 100 points of ID. This is required when you open a new bank account, and it can be done online without needing to visit a bank branch.

What is the 100 point system?

This is a personal identification system put in place by the Australian government to combat financial transaction fraud by people and companies. It ensures that only you can access your own accounts.

You are required to use a series of documents when verifying your identity. Primary documents are worth 70 points and secondary documents can be worth: 40, 35 and 25 points. Take a look at the table below to see the documents needed and how many points they earn you.

Primary documents are the document only and secondary documents must have a photograph and name.

Primary documents: 70 points

  • Birth certificate
  • Birth card issued by NSW Registry of Births
  • Citizenship certificate
  • Current passport
  • Expired passport which has not been cancelled and was current within the preceding two years
  • Other document of identity having the same characteristics as a passport including diplomatic documents

Secondary (photograph and name): 40 points

  • Driver license issued by an Australian State or territory
  • Road and Maritime Services photo card
  • License or permit issued under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or Territory government
  • Identification card issued to a public employee
  • Identification card issued by the Commonwealth
  • An identification card issued to a student at a tertiary education institution

Secondary (must have name and address on it): 35 points

  • A document held by a cash dealer giving security over your property
  • Council rates notice
  • Land Titles Office record
  • Document from your current employer or previous employer within the last two years
  • A mortgage or other instrument of security held by a financial body

Secondary (must have name and signature/date of birth): 25 points

  • Marriage certificate (for maiden name only)
  • Credit card
  • Foreign driver license
  • Medicare card
  • EFTPOS card
  • Record of primary, secondary or tertiary education institution attended by you within the last 10 years
  • Record of professional or trade association of which you are a member

How to verify your identity

When you've got your documents ready, you can verify your identity online when applying for a new bank account. All you need to do is follow the prompts. If you're using your driver's license, for example, you'll be prompted to enter the license number and you might need to scan an image of the front too.

The good news is you can verify you identity completely online in minutes, no need to visit a bank branch.

If you can't verify your identity online

If you're unable to provide the ID required to open a bank account online, you'll need to visit a bank branch to do it in person. An employee at the branch will be able to help you source the ID required, or give you advice on where to go to get this done.

If you're unable to visit a bank branch, we suggest you try visit a Centrelink office or a Services Australia office instead.

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The HSBC Everyday Global Account is one of the best bank accounts for travelling as it has no account keeping fees, no international transaction fees and access to free ATMs around the world. You can hold up to 10 different currencies in the one account, which allows you to top up on a currency while the exchange rate is good, then spend in that local currency while you're overseas. Plus, earn 2% cashback on tap and pay purchases (T&Cs apply).

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6 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    GurinderJune 12, 2023

    Can i apply for Australian bank account before received my Immigration Visa?

    Reply
      AvatarFinder
      AlisonJune 22, 2023Finder

      Hi, to open an Australian bank account you will need to have an Australian residential address.
      Thanks,
      Alison

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    carmelMay 25, 2023

    I have a bank account buy only in my name now I find that my wife needs to be on the account but after 46 yrs she has never driven nor travelled overseas so now she has trouble getting the required 100 points her passport has expired in 1972 in her maiden name she is on aged pension so had centrlink card medicare card but we don’t own property and she hasn’t worked for 35yrs

    Reply
      AvatarFinder
      AlisonJune 8, 2023Finder

      Hi, other forms of ID may include a government health or pension card plus a Medicare card. We’d suggest speaking to your bank about how you can verify her identity to be added to the account – you may need to do this in person at a brank branch.

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    DENNISApril 12, 2022

    how can the bank ID me online and be sure I am who I say I am?

    Reply
      AvatarFinder
      AlisonApril 23, 2022Finder

      Hi Dennis,

      Each bank’s online verification process could slightly vary, but as part of the Anti-Money Laundering and CounterTerrorism Financing Act (2006), applicants are required to present valid documentation to meet the 100-point identification requirements.

      To complete a 100 Point Identification Check, you need to present current, original identification documents that add up to at least 100 Points. You may also be asked to scan an image of the ID. The bank will review the details in your application to see if it matches the details you provided during your online ID check.

      I hope this helps!

      Best,
      Alison

      Reply
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