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

    Lee's avatar
    LeeMay 10, 2017

    Hi,

    I was lived in Australia more than 1 year with Working holiday Visa(subclass 417). That time I made bank account on NAB.
    I’m just worried about one thing.
    Now, I don’t have AUS visa but My money still save in the account. It’s not problem for me?

    Thank you.

    Regards,
    Lee

      Harold Jacob's headshotFinder
      HaroldMay 11, 2017Finder

      Hi Lee,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      In this case, you would need to coordinate with your bank directly to discuss the available options on how to claim the funds you’ve left on your account.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

    SR's avatar
    SRApril 30, 2017

    Hi,

    I am a Singaporean who has just bought a property in Melbourne. My daughter who is married to an Australian lives and works in Sydney. Can I open a bank account if I am not a resident and am on Tourist Visa? The account is for transactions – payment for the property; as well as monthly rental to be collected in the near future.

    Please advise. Thank you.

    Regards,
    SR

      Harold Jacob's headshotFinder
      HaroldMay 1, 2017Finder

      Hi SR,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Non-resident accounts (for tourists and visitors) do exist with certain banks, for example, the big four: Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB and Westpac. Contact your desired bank direct with the details of your situation to discuss your options. In the meantime, you can also check how foreigners can open an Australian bank account.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

    nagendra's avatar
    nagendraJanuary 28, 2017

    Hi,

    I want to open an account here in Australia for my daily use. I am here on short term work Visa. I have doubts about taxes. Would my money become taxable if I open an account here? What are the taxation rules here?

    Regards,
    Nagendra

      Clarizza Fernandez's headshotFinder
      ClarizzaJanuary 31, 2017Finder

      Hi Nagendra,

      Thanks for your question. If you do not intend to move here and have provided your address as outside of Australia, you will not have to pay tax on this bank account.

      Please be advised, we are a comparison website and as such, can provide general advice only.

      Regards,
      Clarizza

    kris's avatar
    krisJanuary 13, 2017

    hi,
    is it possible to open an account with debit card as a foreigner with tourist visa (visiting sister) with long term subclass 600,1 year visa
    i be using my own money for shopping,hoping to spend 10,000/= for during 1 year stay in melbourne,
    im a srilankan and frequent visitor to australia

    please find me the right option
    regards
    kris

      Clarizza Fernandez's headshotFinder
      ClarizzaJanuary 16, 2017Finder

      Hi Kris,

      Thanks for your question.

      Normally if you’re on a tourist visa you won’t be able to open a bank account in Australia. However if you’re here long term and have an Australian residential address, you can open an account. There are many bank accounts on offer. You will need to supply proof of ID such as a passport and an Australian residential address (and any other documents required by the bank). You can take a look at any of the tables on this page you have commented on to compare the different bank accounts on offer.

      Please note, we are a comparison website and can provide general advice only.

      Regards,
      Clarizza

    Duan Dee's avatar
    DuanNovember 12, 2016

    Hi Shirley,

    I am Indonesian living in Jakarta, who just recently met my Australian boyfriend. We have been planning to register for de facto union in Australia, & having a joint account is a good evident on our genuine relationship. Do you think we can open a joint account saving on my holiday visit in Australia?

    Many thanks,
    Duan

      Clarizza Fernandez's headshotFinder
      ClarizzaNovember 16, 2016Finder

      Hi Duan,

      Thanks for your question.

      If you are planning to move to Australia, you can certainly open a joint account with your partner. You would need to speak to the bank about some migrant banking options.

      Please be aware that there are some requirements with migrant bank accounts. For example, you must arrive in Australia within 365 days. These conditions will change depending on the bank. If you are interested, our Migrant Banking page might help.

      Please note, we are a comparison website and provide general advice only.

      Regards,
      Clarizza

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