Key features
$0 Monthly service fee for the first year, then a $5 monthly fee applies
For the first year after opening their everyday banking account, migrants and immigrants will not be charged a monthly service fee. After that time a $5 monthly fee will be charged to your account. Full time tertiary students can take advantage of no monthly fee for the entire duration of their studies in Australia.
Unlimited transactions
You will not be charged any fee for the following transaction methods: phone and online banking, POS transactions, ATM withdrawals, direct debits, cheque withdrawals, branch withdrawals and periodic payments.
Overseas ATM cash withdrawals
You will be charged $5 for each of these transaction types but will have easy access to your money through over 50,000 ATMs as a part of the Global ATM Alliance. This includes ATMs in the Bank of America, Scotiabank, Barclays Bank, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, ABSA and UkrSibbank networks.
| Country | ATM Network |
|---|
| New Zealand | Westpac NZ |
| Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji | Westpac Pacific Banking |
| Italy, France | BNP Paribas |
| Poland, Spain, Germany | Deutsche Bank |
| Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mauritius, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana | Barclays Bank |
| UK, Portugal and Gibraltar | Barclays Bank |
| South Africa | ABSA |
| USA | Bank of America |
| Ukraine | Ukrsibbank |
| China | Bank of Nanjing |
| Singapore | DBS, POSB |
| Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Caribbean, Jamaica | Scotiabank |
Foreign currency transactions
If a transaction is made in a foreign country, you will be charged 3% of the total amount.
Linked debit Mastercard
Once you arrive in Australia you will be issued a linked debit Mastercard that can be used for all of your buying needs as well as ATM cash withdrawals. To receive the Debit Mastercard you must be at least 14 years old. Customers under the age of 14 can use a Handycard, which allows you to withdraw cash from Westpac ATMs, however does not allow for online purchases.
$0 Minimum balance requirement
You are not required to maintain a minimum balance in order to keep this account active.
Personalised assistance
No matter what part of the world you are arriving to Australia from, Westpac branch staff speaks at least 42 languages making it easy for you to communicate your financial needs.
Online and mobile banking available
You can access your Westpac account using online and mobile banking. Note, you'll need to complete an identity check before being able to withdraw funds.
Mastercard Fraud Money-back guarantee
This ensures that any unauthorised transactions are reimbursed, given that you didn't contribute to the loss and you contacted Westpac immediately.
Get cash
You can withdraw money out from an ATM without your debit card at Westpac branded ATMs. Generate a cash code using the Westpac Mobile banking app.
Link with a Westpac savings account
You can link your Westpac Choice account with a savings account from Westpac. You'll then be able to check your balance instantly within a centralised dashboard.
Other services
Westpac also provides migrants with other financial services once they have arrived, such as home loans, credit cards and term deposit accounts.
Yoda
February 29, 2016
Hi,
I would like to know how to open an bank account in Australia while living overseas. I am an Australian citizen. I don’t plan to be coming to Australia in the near future. Though would like to deposit and access the account whilst I’m overseas.
Thank you.