Methodology: How does Finder choose the best bank accounts?
At Finder, we've been comparing bank accounts for more than a decade. We've assessed accounts in our panel based on a few key features that we know you care most about to bring you our picks. While we haven't looked at all accounts in the market, we're confident our picks are strong offers.
We've selected accounts from our partners that suit a range of different criteria, for example travelling or budgeting. Several of our top picks are determined as part of our annual Finder Awards, which involves extensive comparison of all products in our databse against a range of criteria for each category.
How to pick the best bank account
If our top bank account picks aren't right for you, here's what features to consider when you compare bank accounts.
Account fees
Look for a transaction account with no monthly account-keeping fees. If there are account fees, ask yourself if there are any extra features with the account to justify the fee as most accounts don't charge one.
Deposit conditions
Most bank accounts don't have a monthly deposit requirement. If there are monthly deposit conditions to meet, make sure it's an amount that you're comfortable with.
Account access options
Most of us want to bank online these days, with 98.9% of banking interactions taking place digitally according to the ABA. However if you still like to bank in branch, the best bank account for you will likely be one that has branch access (as many online banks don't).
Overseas fees and charges
If you like to travel regularly, the best transaction account for you could be one that doesn't charge overseas ATM fees or international transaction fees.
Linked savings account
If you're planning to open a savings account with the same bank, it's a good idea to look for one with a competitive interest rate.
Payment options
Make sure the bank account offers the payment options that you want. These might include BPAY, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayID, tap and go with Visa payWave or Mastercard PayPass.
ATM access
If you use cash and cheques, a transaction account with a large ATM network and smart ATMs that accept cash and cheques might be best for you.
Joint account options
The best bank account for couples or friends who both want access to the account is a joint bank account.
🔥 Quick tip when choosing a bank account
"You don't need to have one bank account for everything. Finder data shows that 30% of Australians have bank accounts with multiple different banks, and the main reason why is for convenience. For example, you might find it's best for you to open one bank account for your day-to-day spending and bills, and a separate bank account to use when you travel."
Market update by Alison Banney – Finder money editor
Top 5 bank accounts for customer satisfaction
The Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards ask Australians which brands and products they trust and love the most. For the bank account satisfaction awards, we surveyed hundreds of Australians to rate their bank accounts.
Bank
Overall satisfaction
Trustworthy/reliable
★★★★★ 4.63/5
97%
★★★★★ 4.48/5
100%
★★★★★ 4.39/5
91%
★★★★★ 4.31/5
97%
★★★★★ 4.23/5
91%
Frequently asked questions
Bank accounts are all designed for day-to-day spending and transactions. To find the best bank account to suit your needs look at the account's fees and features, and make sure it lets you access your money in the most convenient way for you.
Banks accounts typically don't pay any interest, as the account is designed for spending not saving. If you want to earn interest on your money you'll need to open a savings account instead.
Yes, bank accounts are one of the safest places for your cash. Your deposit up to $250,000 with an Australian bank is guaranteed under the government bank guarantee scheme.
The Big Four banks - Westpac, NAB, CommBank and ANZ - are the biggest in Australia but this doesn't mean they're the best for you. See how bank accounts by the Big Four compare to others in the market.
A lot of bank accounts can be opened as joint accounts with another person. When picking one, consider what you'll be using the account for and what features you need. For example, would spend tracking tools in the mobile app be handy for you? Or perhaps you're more interested in avoiding fees when travelling?
If you travel a lot, a bank account with no international transaction fees would be ideal. These fees can be as high as 3.5% of the total transaction value per transaction, each time you make a purchase with your debit card in another currency. Avoiding these fees can save you lots of money.
You can open a kids savings account that pays interest on your child's balance, or a kids bank account that comes with a debit card or pre-paid card.
A student bank account will usually have no fees and sometimes also offer extra perks and features.
The best bank for you depends on your specific needs. Do you want an account where you can have multiple sub-accounts to save for different goals? Do you want a transactional account from which you can spend every day? Are you looking for a joint account to manage joint spending with your partner? Or are you hoping to get an account with no overseas fees, as you shop online or travel regularly? Knowing what your goals are will help you get the best account for you.
ING, UBank and Up Bank offer no-fee transaction accounts, along with the Big 4 banks (CBA, NAB, ANZ and Westpac) and most smaller banks. Some also waive international transaction fees.
All the Big 4 banks (CBA, NAB, ANZ and Westpac) along with ING, Up, and UBank offer fee-free everyday accounts. With so much choice available, there's no reason to pay fees for an everyday personal transaction account.
The "Big 4" are Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB. They dominate the Australian banking landscape in terms of customer base and accessibility.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But Finder may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.
Alison is an editor at Finder and a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of experience, having contributed to major financial institutions and publications such as Westpac, Money Magazine, and Yahoo Finance. She is frequently quoted in media outlets like SmartCompany and SBS, offering expert insights on superannuation and money management. Alison holds a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Newcastle, and has earned three ASIC RG146 certifications in superannuation, securities and managed investments and general financial advice, ensuring her expertise is fully aligned with ASIC standards.
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Alison's expertise
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Finder guides across topics including:
Can a non citizen open an account under this scheme?
Thanks
Finder
AlisonMay 20, 2022Finder
Hi JYK,
Each bank has its own eligibility criteria, however, in most cases, you will need to be an Australian citizen with an Australian residential address to open a bank account here.
Best,
Alison
BenApril 19, 2022
It’s all twisted. I didn’t get $100 for as infinite up to HSBC bank. It’s a scam.
Finder
AlisonMay 16, 2022Finder
Hi Ben,
I’m sorry to hear you’re having an issue with accessing the $100 cash bonus. As a first step, please ensure you’re meeting the eligibility criteria for this bonus. This bonus is for new HSBC customers when you open an Everyday Global Account before 30 April 2022 and deposit $2000 or more each month for 3 consecutive months within 6 months of opening your account.
If you’ve met all the above criteria, please get in touch with HSBC directly to raise this issue with them.
Hope this helps,
Alison
mahdiApril 9, 2022
i need help from up bsnk
Finder
AlisonApril 25, 2022Finder
Hi Mahdi,
You can seek assistance from Up by using “Talk to Us” in the Up app. You can also call them on 1300 002 258 or send them an email at support@up.com.au.
Best,
Alison
melmothSeptember 13, 2021
whats better than ubank ultra. i would particularly like more than one transaction account attached to a savings/investment account, to manage special payments. ubank allows only one.
Finder
AlisonSeptember 25, 2021Finder
Hi Melmoth,
The better option would still depend on your requirements as a customer and current circumstances. Although we cannot recommend a specific brand, you could check out the options available on this page: https://www.finder.com.au/bank-accounts. Some of the bank accounts listed specified the number of sub accounts you can link to it. For other brands that did not indicate this, you can visit their websites to check or reach out to them directly.
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.
Now is the best time to start looking at the new bank account offers and promotions available. There is fierce competition between banks for your business so you should take advantage of this opportunity and get yourself a deal.
International transaction fees can add up to a lot of wasted money. These debit cards are great for travelling and online shopping and will save you money by waiving this annoying fee.
When used wisely, a debit card provides you with great flexibility when it comes to handling your everyday financial needs.
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Our comparison service does not include every product or every provider in the market. Some product issuers offer their products under multiple brands or through associated companies. Where we can, we identify the underlying issuer so you can compare like with like, but you should always check with the provider directly to confirm which brand you are dealing with.
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Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Can a non citizen open an account under this scheme?
Thanks
Hi JYK,
Each bank has its own eligibility criteria, however, in most cases, you will need to be an Australian citizen with an Australian residential address to open a bank account here.
Best,
Alison
It’s all twisted. I didn’t get $100 for as infinite up to HSBC bank. It’s a scam.
Hi Ben,
I’m sorry to hear you’re having an issue with accessing the $100 cash bonus. As a first step, please ensure you’re meeting the eligibility criteria for this bonus. This bonus is for new HSBC customers when you open an Everyday Global Account before 30 April 2022 and deposit $2000 or more each month for 3 consecutive months within 6 months of opening your account.
If you’ve met all the above criteria, please get in touch with HSBC directly to raise this issue with them.
Hope this helps,
Alison
i need help from up bsnk
Hi Mahdi,
You can seek assistance from Up by using “Talk to Us” in the Up app. You can also call them on 1300 002 258 or send them an email at support@up.com.au.
Best,
Alison
whats better than ubank ultra. i would particularly like more than one transaction account attached to a savings/investment account, to manage special payments. ubank allows only one.
Hi Melmoth,
The better option would still depend on your requirements as a customer and current circumstances. Although we cannot recommend a specific brand, you could check out the options available on this page: https://www.finder.com.au/bank-accounts. Some of the bank accounts listed specified the number of sub accounts you can link to it. For other brands that did not indicate this, you can visit their websites to check or reach out to them directly.
I hope this helps!
Thanks,
Alison