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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Alison Banney

Edited by

Richard Whitten

Updated

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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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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

    Agnes's avatar
    AgnesJune 6, 2018

    I am a non-resident of Australia thinking of opening a bank account in Perth, Australia.

    Is that allowed?

      Nikki Angco's avatar
      NikkiJune 6, 2018

      Hi Agnes,

      Thanks for getting in touch!

      You can open an account online before arriving in Australia, on the phone or in person at the branch once you arrive.

      If you do decide to visit a branch, remember to bring valid forms of ID with you. This includes your passport, overseas credit card/student ID and letter addressed to yourself proving Australian residence. For more information, please see our 100 points ID article.

      Here are the types of accounts you are eligible for:

      Transaction accounts
      Also known as a current or cheque account, this option is an everyday account from which to pay bills, send and receive money, and manage your daily expenses.

      Savings account
      This account pays you interest on the amount you have in your account: the more you have in this account, the more interest you earn. Since these funds are not intended for everyday use, account holders are usually penalised with high fees or loss of interest when withdrawing from this account.

      When you’re ready, simply choose the bank on this page above and click the GO TO SITE to get started.

      Hope this helps.

      Regards,
      Nikki

    Rochelle's avatar
    RochelleMarch 29, 2018

    Can you open a bank account in Australia if you have committed and been convicted of armed robbery (of a bank or otherwise)? This question is for Australian citizens/residents as well as foreigners.

      Nikki Angco's avatar
      NikkiMarch 29, 2018

      Hi Rochelle,

      Thanks for your message and for contacting finder.

      In general, having a negative standing (i.e. a criminal record), a person may lose all sense of personal identity and credibility.

      However, not all hope is lost as each case is determined accordingly. So you may direct your concern to the proper authorities on how to go about it.

      Please note that we’re a product comparison website and we hold no affiliation with any company we feature on our site. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product / service that is rightfully fit for you.

      Hope this helps!

      Best regards,

      Nikki

    Carol's avatar
    CarolFebruary 22, 2018

    We will be coming To Australia yearly to visit and world Line To open an account in Melbourne. Our daughter lives there and Will be making monthly deposits for us. Can an account be opened front canada

      Joel Marcelo's avatar
      JoelMarch 10, 2018

      Hi Carol,

      Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.

      You may refer to our guide that discusses bank accounts for non-residents. On the page is a comparison table you can use to see which account suits you. Simply press the “Go to site” button of your preferred account to be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with your application. If you’re not migrating to the country, you can also consider speaking to a local bank in Canada who has international ties with a bank in Australia.

      Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.

      Cheers,
      Joel

    Grant's avatar
    GrantFebruary 4, 2018

    I intend to do business in my country with an Australian company. The intention is for the Australian company to pay my commission on deals in my country to me in Australian Dollar. Customers in my country will pay for the services in Australia and I will earn a commission on the profit margin for these deals. I am not resident in Australia but would like to open an Australian bank account to have the money paid into. Am I legally allowed to open a bank account in Australia and have these funds deposited there?

      May's avatarFinder
      MayFebruary 23, 2018Finder

      Hi Grant,

      Thanks for your question.

      Typically, yes, a foreigner/non-resident can open a bank account in Australia, however, if you’re not migrating to the country, you would need to speak to a local bank who has international ties with a bank in Australia.

      Cheers,
      May

    Liv's avatar
    LivNovember 14, 2017

    Hi, I used to work in Australia under working holiday visa 2 years ago and i’ve come back to my home country, Indonesia. I still have some money in my Australian bank account and also the debit card. And my debit card is about expire in 6 months, and I still want to use it. My question is, can I order a replacement card so I’ll get the new card? I’m not living in Australia anymore so can I use my friend’s address to send it? thank you

      Liezl's avatar
      LiezlNovember 17, 2017

      Hi Liv,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      Generally, banks will send your replacement card automatically before your card will expire. You don’t have to request for it. They will send this to the address listed in your bank’s record.

      Depending on the bank’s procedure, you may request to change your address or have your card delivered overseas. Either way, you’ll need to call the bank’s customer care few months before the expiry date to make this request. Kindly note that most banks won’t accept such request through email due to security reasons.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Regards,
      Liezl

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