Yes, you can open a bank account if you have bad credit
Banks don't care about your credit score when you open a bank account. But it's a different story when you apply for a loan or credit card.
Key takeaways
- Having bad credit does not prevent you from opening a bank account.
- Banks check your credit for loans and credit cards, not for basic transaction accounts.
- Improve your credit score over time by checking your report and paying bills regularly.
Can I open a bank account if I have bad credit?
Having a low credit score or a history of credit troubles won't stop you from opening a bank account. A bank account is something you can use to hold and spend money: it is not a credit product.
Banks only worry about your credit score when you apply for:
With a bank account you're using the money you put into the account. There's no risk to the bank.
Overdrafts are a form of credit
The only time a bank account comes close to offering you credit is with an overdraft facility.
Let's say you had $100 left in your bank account. And then you get charged $200 for your electricity bill.
With an overdraft set up, your account will go to zero when the $200 payment is made. The bank covers the full charge, and you'll have a $100 overdraft debt.
That's credit. You now owe the bank $100. Most banks charge a fee or interest on the overdraft.
If you have bad credit your bank may not offer an overdraft on your account. But you can still open an account.
What information is in my credit report?
Your credit report doesn't contain a list of your bank accounts, because these are not credit products.
Your credit report contains information like:
- Your name, address and contact details.
- Previous credit applications you've made.
- Any current credit accounts held in your name, including repayment history.
- Any credit defaults, including missed loan repayments and late or unpaid bills.
- Any bankruptcies or debt agreements in your name.
- Requests for your credit report from credit providers.
Finder survey: Do Australians know what a good credit score is?
| Response | |
|---|---|
| Yes | 63.39% |
| No | 36.61% |
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1016 Australians, December 2023
How does my credit score affect my finances?
Credit agencies provide you with a credit score or credit rating. Scores come in bands:
- Excellent
- Very good
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Note that agencies have different scoring ranges and names for these bands, but they're comparable.
A fair or poor credit score won't stop you from opening a bank account. But it will make it harder to get approved for a personal loan, a home loan or a new credit card.
Credit cards
If your credit score is low enough you may not qualify for a credit card at all. Or you may have to settle for a card with a lower credit limit.
Personal loans
In Australia, the rate on your personal loan is determined partly by your credit score. This is called risk-based pricing.
Borrowers with good or excellent credit scores can get lower interest rates.
Home loans
Having a higher credit score won't get you a better home loan rate. But lenders do check your credit history when you apply for a home loan.
A high credit score may increase the amount you can borrow.
4 tips to improve your credit score
So you don't need a good credit score to open a bank account. But improving your credit score is still a really good idea.
And it takes time to improve your credit score, so the sooner you start the easier it is.
- Check your credit score. Identify any late or missed payments that are dragging your score down. If there are errors in your credit report, contact the reporting agency and request a correction.
- Pay off those late or missed payments. Once you've paid off those late or missed payments your credit score will start to improve but it will take time.
- Avoid taking on too many debts. Having some debt can actually help you build your credit score. But having multiple credit cards and personal loans will lower your score. If possible, lower your card limits and reduce your overall debts.
- Build good credit. Making regular bill payments and having one credit card with a low credit limit (and paying it off in full each month) is a great way to improve your credit score.
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Hello,
CBA has closed our Company account with no explanation; we are desperate to find another bank to pay our designers and grow our startup business. Any advice would be really appreciated.
Regards,
Karen
Hi Karen,
I’m sorry to hear about what happened. You may want to get in touch with CBA first and see if you can resolve the issue. Alternatively, you can also check business bank accounts on our website, compare, and find the right one for you.
Regards,
Alison