On this page you’ll find an updated list of all the banks, credit unions and building societies that operate in Australia.
A list of every bank operating in Australia
The list above includes different types of Australian banks, but they all serve the same broad function of holding customer deposits, and access to money (savings and credit) via loans, debit cards and credit cards.
Australian-owned banks
Banks provide a wide range of financial products and services to Australian customers, including transaction and savings accounts, home loans, personal loans and credit cards.
In Australia most people bank with one of the Big Four:
But there are so many other banks in Australia. This includes a second or mid-tier of major banks below the Big Four. There are also many smaller banks, some of them entirely digital. These banks are often owned by a larger bank.
Foreign subsidiary banks
A foreign subsidiary bank is a subsidiary of a foreign-owned bank that is incorporated in Australia. These institutions must hold capital locally and must also meet the same prudential standards and undergo the same supervision as Australian-owned banks.
Building societies
A building society is a mutual organisation that is owned by its members and offers a wide range of financial products and services. These organisations tend to be located in rural and regional Australia and they offer deposit accounts, loans and payment services.
Credit unions
Like building societies, credit unions are also owned by their members. Rather than being run to provide profits for shareholders, credit unions are run to benefit members. Credit unions operate right across Australia and offer a wide range of banking and financial products and services.
Which bank should I choose?
While all banks serve the same basic function there are a few ways to decide what kind of bank you're looking for:
- Do you need to visit a local bank branch? Most banking is done online or via phone. But sometimes you need to get cash from an ATM or talk to someone face to face. If this is you, look for a big bank with a branch near where you live. If you live outside a major city you could also look at a local bank or credit union with a branch nearby. You probably don't want an online bank.
- Do you want really convenient online access and a banking app? Some people like to go entirely digital. There are plenty of online banks that don't even have physical branches. Some of them have great apps. But don't count out larger banks either. They often have very well designed apps.
- Read reviews and trust word of mouth. If you hear lots of bad things from customers of one bank, you might want to steer clear. Read reviews and check out the Finder customer satisfaction awards to see which banks have the best customer service.
- Does the bank offer what you need? Look closely at a bank's products. Some banks have different strengths and weaknesses too. If you have bank accounts in multiple countries you could look at a more international bank like HSBC, for example.
Looking for a new bank?
Click on the product or service you're interested in below to view our comparison tables.
Compare bank accounts offered by Australian banks
Compare alternatives
We currently don't have a partnership for that product, but we have other similar offers to choose from (how we picked these ):
Ask a question
More guides on Finder
-
Australian debit card statistics
Explore how the typical Australian uses their debit card in our detailed guide to debit card statistics.
-
Bank accounts with cheque books
With the rise of online and mobile banking, the use of cheque books for payment has declined. But there are still benefits to depositing that slip of paper.
-
Best debit cards
Whether you’re travelling overseas or just want easy access to your funds, here’s how to find the best debit card to suit your needs.
-
ANZ vs CommBank bank accounts
ANZ vs Commonwealth Bank: which bank has the right accounts and services for you? Find out here.
-
Compare bank accounts with no fees
Don’t pay unnecessary bank fees, compare financial institutions and learn about the pros and cons of a fee-free bank account.
-
How to use a debit card for online payments
Every wondered what the process was for your debit card when you made an electronic transaction?
-
Travel debit cards to use overseas
A travel debit card is just a regular Australian debit card with less international fees an charges, making it a great option to use overseas. See a range of debit cards suited for travel in this guide.
-
Cardless cash: Which banks offer it?
Want to withdraw cash without your card? Learn what cardless cash options are offered with NAB, ANZ, Westpac and CBA.
-
Debit cards with rewards and benefits
With a rewards debit card in your wallet, you can earn points or get cash back while using your own money.
-
Best bank accounts in Australia
The best bank account will help you manage your everyday spending with low fees and easy access to your money. Check out our Top Picks curated by experts.