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.
A multi-goal savings account that lets you earn interest, set and track up to 99 savings goals, all from the one app.
An everyday transaction account with no account keeping fees and access to Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Revolut is available for download in Australia. This review will tell you what you need to know about the multi-currency account before you sign up.
Unlike a standard multi-currency account, the Wise multi-currency Account offers 5 sets of international bank details and you can spend money in more than 160 countries.
Teach your kids good saving habits and earn high interest with this account.
An account for over those aged over 55 that offers easy access to your funds with competitive interest rates.
Every year Regional Australia Bank will donate 1% of your average annual balance to a community group of your choice.
With competitive interest rates and no account-keeping or transaction fees, the Bank First First Saver Account can teach your kids how to start saving.
This transaction account has no monthly fees and can be opened by both personal and business customers.
Every wondered what the process was for your debit card when you made an electronic transaction?
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