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 show the details listed under each group below.
| Response | 75+ yrs | 65-74 yrs | 55-64 yrs | 45-54 yrs | 35-44 yrs | 25-34 yrs | 18-24 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-branch | 75% | 64.63% | 50% | 33.92% | 27.47% | 26.11% | 39.56% |
| Online | 21.43% | 27.44% | 46.88% | 56.14% | 63.74% | 60% | 46.15% |
| Over the phone | 1.79% | 1.83% | 2.5% | 3.51% | 1.1% | 3.33% | 2.2% |
| Through an app | 1.79% | 5.49% | 0.63% | 5.85% | 7.14% | 10.56% | 12.09% |
| Other | 0.61% | 0.58% | 0.55% |
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 your identity completely online in minutes, no need to visit a bank branch.
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, ask your bank about alternative ways to confirm your identity. Depending on the bank, these may include a referee statement (for example from Services Australia staff) or recently expired ID.
If you're interested in opening a bank account online and not in person, take a look at these options in the table below.
We assess multiple product features for transaction accounts from over 100 providers and assign each product a score out of 10.
Explore how the typical Australian uses their debit card in our detailed guide to debit card statistics.
This is a business bank account with no monthly account keeping fees and a free ANZ Business Visa Debit card.
It's common to have a few different bank accounts that each have a different purpose. Here's how you may benefit from having multiple bank accounts and the traps to avoid.
Compare the features of Up's transaction account with ING's to see which will be better for you.
PayID allows you to transfer money in real-time without entering your recipients BSB and account number. Read this guide to learn about the benefits of PayID and how to set it up.
With the rise of online and mobile banking, the use of cheque books for payment has declined. But there are still benefits to depositing that slip of paper.
This handy step-by-step guide explains how to transfer money from one Australian bank account to another as quickly as possible.
Some banks allow you to send money using someone's phone number instead of a BSB and Account Number. If your bank doesn't have this feature you can usually use PayID instead - here's how.
Australian Mutual Bank offer different types of savings accounts depending on your age, your goal and your financial position.
How do contactless payments work, are contactless payments safe and which banks offer tap-and-go technology? Find out in this guide.
Can i apply for Australian bank account before received my Immigration Visa?
Hi, to open an Australian bank account you will need to have an Australian residential address.
Thanks,
Alison
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
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.
how can the bank ID me online and be sure I am who I say I am?
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