How to open a bank account in Australia as a non-resident

Opening an Australian bank account as a newly arrived student, worker or temporary resident is simple. But you will need ID plus an Australian address and mobile number.

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By

Alison Banney

Edited by

Richard Whitten

Updated

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4.6 based on 835 reviews

Key takeaways

  • You need ID, an Australian address and a local mobile number to open an account.
  • Consider fees, branch access and international transfer costs when comparing options.
  • While some banks offer online applications, many require an in-person branch visit.
You don't need to be a citizen or permanent resident to open an Australian bank account. Temporary workers, students and newly arrived migrants can all open bank accounts very easily.

Australian banks will need to see some ID, a residential Australian address and possibly evidence of your visa when you open a bank account. Some banks also require you to visit a branch in person to activate your account.

Getting started: What type of account do you need?

You probably want to open a transaction account first

In Australia, a bank or transaction account is the type of account you use to make daily purchases, pay bills, send and receive money and manage your daily expenses. These accounts come with a debit card for spending.

This is the account you're probably looking for.

You could also open a savings account

A savings account pays you interest on the money in your account. These accounts are for holding money in the long term and earning interest rather than for daily spending.

Because you have to pay tax on the interest you earn, your bank will ask for your Australian Tax File Number (TFN) when you open a savings account. You don't have to provide a TFN to open the account, but if you don't, the bank may have to withhold tax from the interest it pays you.

You can get a TFN from the Australian Taxation Office, whether you're a permanent or temporary resident.

How to open a bank account in Australia in 4 steps

  1. Compare banks and choose a bank account. At a minimum, make sure you're eligible to open an account. We've got more tips on how to compare bank accounts below.
  2. Gather your ID documents, visa details, address and phone number. If any of your documents aren't in English then you'll need to bring along translations completed by an accredited translator.
  3. Complete the application. Most banks let you do this online. Some banks require you to visit a bank branch to establish your identity after you arrive. Some banks will only create your account if you visit a branch in person.
  4. Deposit funds into your account and wait for your debit card to arrive in the mail. You can add money to your account via bank or money transfer, or deposit cash at a bank branch or ATM.

How do I add funds to my new Australian bank account?

You can add money to your account in a few ways:

  • Bank transfer. You can transfer money from an overseas bank. You'll just need your new Australian account number and BSB (this is a six-digit number used to identify Australian banks and branches).
  • Money transfer. Another option is using a money transfer service. This can work out cheaper than a bank transfer, as money transfers often have better exchange rates.
  • Deposit cash. You can deposit cash at a local bank branch or even via an ATM.

How to compare Australian bank accounts

If you want to open an Australian bank account as a non-resident, you can start by researching different options online. Here are a few of the main things to consider when choosing a bank account:

  • The fees. Look for an account that charges low or no account keeping fees or ATM fees.
  • Branch access. If you'll be making regular in-branch transactions (such as depositing foreign cash or cheques), make sure you select a bank with branches in your local area. Some Australian banks are online only with no branches.
  • International transfers. If you'll need to send money back home, check what the fees are for transferring money internationally, as well as the exchange rates.
  • Multiple currencies. Some bank accounts let you hold several foreign currencies in the one account, which could be handy if you're going back home regularly and need the local currency there.

Frequently asked questions

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Richard Whitten as part of our fact-checking process.
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Written by

Editorial Manager, Money
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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. See full bio

Alison's expertise
Alison has written 592 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Superannuation
  • Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
  • Budgeting and money-saving hacks
  • Managing the cost of living
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64 Responses

    Alexandar's avatar
    AlexandarOctober 23, 2026

    I am not an Australian and am not intending to stay in Australia. I have a property in Australia which is collecting rent and I would like to open a bank account for this monthly rentals and related expenses. What are the bank accounts which I can apply? And if I am physically at the bank for the application, how long is the process for the approval?

      Sarah Megginson's headshotFinder
      SarahOctober 26, 2026Finder

      Hi Alexander,

      I checked the published eligibility rules for the top 4 major banks, and I couldn’t confirm that they allow an account for someone who has no intention of residing in Australia. Usually, you need to be an Australian resident to open a standard bank account.

      Commbank lets eligible people start an application before arriving, but usually you must verify your identity at a branch within 20 days of applyin. The bank says accounts cannot be used for transactions until identity verification is complete. CommBank announced in April 2026 that it plans to extend digital passport verification to overseas applicants later in 2026, so it may be worth contacting them. Our guide about opening a bank account as a non-resident has more info, but you’ll need to reach out to the specific bank you’re interested in to confirm eligibility directly. It might also be worth looking at a multi-currency banking product like Wise to see if it’s suitable. Hope this helps!

    Keith's avatar
    KeithOctober 5, 2023

    I am not an Australian and am not intending to stay in Australia. I have a property in Australia which is collecting rent and I would like to open a bank account for this monthly rentals. What are the bank accounts which I can apply? And if I am physically at the bank for the application, how long is the process for the approval?

      Shubham Pandey's headshotFinder
      ShubhamOctober 24, 2023Finder

      Hi Keith,
      Thankyou for your question.

      However, as a non-resident who owns property in Australia and collects rent, you can open a bank account to manage your rental income. Refer to our guide above will give you a basic idea about various accounts and requirements on the same.

      The approval process usually involves verifying your identity, and this can be done at a local branch after you arrive in Australia. The time it takes for approval may vary depending on the bank and your individual circumstances, but it’s typically a straightforward process.

      Keep in mind that each bank may have specific requirements, so it’s a good idea to contact the bank of your choice and discuss your situation with them to ensure you choose an account that suits your needs and to get more precise information about the application process.

      I hope this helps.

    Gudi's avatar
    GudiMarch 18, 2023

    I was working and living in Australia for 10 years, and had my bank account at ANZ. I moved back home and still have my account open. If changing my address and mobile number online, will I be able to keep my account open and thereby keeping my savings safe? I would like to transfer my savings with an international transfer, and I am wondering if I can change my daily allowance and change my mobile number without running into difficulties. Please advise.

      Raj Lal's headshotFinder
      RajApril 3, 2023Finder

      Hi Gudi,
      Thanks for contacting Finder.

      One of ANZ requirements for a bank account is customers will need an Australian residential address. If you’re changing your address to a New Zealand address, then it goes against their requirements. It would be best to contact ANZ and speak to them about your specific needs in keeping the account open and transferring the money.

      Thanks
      Raj

    Peter's avatar
    PeterFebruary 22, 2023

    I am an Australian citizen with dual citizenship and passports. Can i open a bank account using my foreign passport for use when travelling overseas with my foreign passport?

      Raj Lal's headshotFinder
      RajFebruary 28, 2023Finder

      Hi Peter,
      In the case of using just your foreign passport, you’ll need to speak to a local bank that has international ties with a bank in Australia for you to be able to open an account. Ideally, the same country as the country of your foreign passport.

      Usually, most Australian banks require Australian documentation and residence to open an account.

      Thanks
      Raj

    Shish's avatar
    ShishMay 13, 2022

    Hi,
    I live in Australia, my mom visits every 2 years. Can she open an account and keep it open/active during the time she is not residing in Australia?

      Alison Banney's headshotFinder
      AlisonMay 20, 2022Finder

      Hi Shish,

      Yes, your mom can keep an account open even when she’s overseas. Her account can only become dormant/inactive if the account has not received a deposit or a withdrawal for seven years. When this happens, it will be taken over by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

      Best,
      Alison

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